Community Girlz raising funds for homeless vets

A group of 10 14-year-old girls who raise money for community organizations are planning a fundraiser this weekend to benefit area veterans, organizers say.

The Community Girlz will offer homemade crafts and jewelry, baked goods, raffles, lemonade and face painting as part of the fundraising event from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at 136 Arapahoe Trail, Carol Stream.

All proceeds will go to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton.

The shelter strives to empower homeless vets to become productive members of their communities and has become a model for similar facilities across the country, organizers say.

The Community Girlz group was formed in 2010 by five 9- and 10-year-old girls and raised more than $500 in its first year for the DuPage Animal Shelter.

In 2011, the group raised more than $800 for the American Cancer Society, and in 2012 it raised more than $1,300 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Last year's fundraiser generated $2,200 to increase autism awareness.

For details on the Community Girlz program, write to communitygirlz@gmail.com.