What started as a penny drive in 2002 by the San Marcos High School AP economics class has now turned into a nationally recognized nonprofit called Kids Helping Kids (KHK). Run by students, with oversight by teacher Jamie DeVries, the organization raises money for disadvantaged kids. For example, KHK covers SAT/AP test fees for students and provided a wheelchair for a youth with a rare skin disease. The organization also goes beyond the county limits and has accomplished supporting a safe house for at-risk children in Nicaragua and funding the building of a preschool in Rwanda.
Several benefit events take place throughout the year to raise money — it has raised more than $1.4 million to date — such as school dances, a talent show, and, in particular, its annual benefit concert, which has had musical heavy hitters such as Sara Bareilles, Mat Kearney, and Toad the Wet Sprocket perform for the cause. This time, Kids Helping Kids has secured platinum-selling singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson to headline the fundraiser. The event takes place Saturday, January 10, 2015, 7 p.m., at the Granada Theatre (1214 State St.). For tickets and information, call the Granada box office at 899-2222 or see kidshelpingkidssb.org.