In 2018, six-year-old Lucas Kreider told his mom, Sophia, that he wanted to create an art show to help those who are less fortunate. Lucas pitched his idea to Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace and was able to secure gallery space at the Lancaster County Visitor Center. The Peace Kids to the Rescue Art Show was born! The first show featured art from over 50 children and raised $2,400 for Church World Services and Lancaster County Homeless Coalition. To date, Lucas and Sophia have raised $16,000 for the organizations.
Lucas and Sophia Kreider
Eleven-year-old Lucas and his mom, Sophia, are spending the summer preparing for the 5th-annual Peace Kids to the Rescue Art Show and Silent Auction, which will be held Friday, September 1, at The Ware Center. Featuring around 50 pieces of art from children ages 6-18, the show celebrates the role children and art can play in bettering our communities.
Last year, the art show raised $6,000. Half of the proceeds were donated to Church World Services for their Girls Who Code program, which equips young refugee and immigrant women (ages 11-21) with opportunities to improve digital literacy and explore STEM.
Lucas and Mayor Danene Sorace
The other half was donated to the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition. The funds were used to support a new advocacy group through which people who have experienced homelessness will help to empower and support individuals who are currently or recently unsheltered. A portion of the funds was also earmarked to help create a “Peace Kids” corner in a city hub that will provide services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The area will provide space for kids to express themselves creatively through art, music, theater and more.
Meet Lucas and Sophia
Q: How did you come up with the idea to start an art show?
Lucas: When I was younger, I used to drive around in the city with my mom in what we called our kindness car. We would give out bags of food, water and other things people might need who didn’t have a home. And I used to make a lot of art when I was younger, so the idea just popped into my head one day to have a show to sell kids’ art and help people who don’t have as much as I do.
Q: Where did the name “Peace Kids to the Rescue” come from?
Sophia: For our first show, I asked Lucas what he wanted to name the show and he came up with Peace Kids to the Rescue. He says it’s because “kids are helping make the world more peaceful” and rescue because “they’re wanting to help others.”
Q: Why do you think it is important to help others?
Lucas: It’s just important. I think it helps people feel more equal and makes their lives easier. And it makes us feel happier when we help!
Q: What kind of art do you like to create?
Lucas: I like colored pencils, but my favorite is woodworking!
The Peace Kids to the Rescue Art Show and Silent Auction will be held September 1 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the lobby of The Ware Center, located at 42 North Prince Street in Lancaster. Refreshments will be donated by Prince Street Café, Wegmans and Sugar Whipped Bakery. If you are unable to attend the event, you can donate at gofund.me/67fcb4bb.
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