By Rick Dandes
COAL TOWNSHIP — Kyla Martin, 14, of Paxinos, and her good friend, Miranda Canouse, of Shamokin, co-founders of the Angels at Work volunteer group, are committed to charitable work and making the world safer.
Lofty goals for an organization comprised of 10 girls, ages 9 to 16. But the series of 20 events and fundraisers they’ve held since the group’s inception in 2005 is ample proof of their growing influence in the Coal Region, and beyond.
And this Labor Day, the Angels are planning a Kid’s Carnival, at a site yet to be determined in Shamokin, with all proceeds going to local families in need and soldiers based in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“One thing for sure,” said Martin’s mother, Kathy Witcoskie, who advises the group. “If anyone can pull this off, Kyla and her friends can.”
One week ago, Martin and Canouse were presented with a President’s Volunteer Service Award at a banquet at Brewser’s Sports Grille, in Coal Township.
“It came as a complete surprise to the girls,” Witcoskie said. “We pretended we were just taking them out for dinner.”
The award is a national honor given in recognition of volunteer service. Established in 2003 the award is presented yearly to individuals, groups or families who have demonstrated extraordinary citizenship through volunteering.
Martin and Canouse were lauded not only for their community service, but also for being young role models.
Both girls attended Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township, and became friends due to their mutual interest in community service.
“She was still in elementary school and already she wanted to help people,” said Witcoskie.
Martin had said she wants to have a career as an elementary school teacher.
Her concern for others probably came from her mother. Witcoskie is also a giver, she said. “I like helping Kyla and others,” she said. “It takes me away from the hustle and bustle of work. It makes me feel good when I can help people.”
