By Rick Winterson

     Kristen Elizabeth Miller loves children. She babysits. When she finishes her education and goes to work, she wants a career in day care, preferably teaching little children.

      Despite her own youth - she attends eighth grade in the Gate of Heaven Middle School - she is already making a difference on behalf of the youngsters she loves.

     Kristen first heard about The Italian Home for Children from her mother, Lori, and her father, Brian. They attended a fundraiser at Lombardo's for committee members. Among the attendees was Kevin Tyo, the well-known owner of 224 Boston. He is extremely active in support of the Home.

     The Italian Home for Children is not only an orphanage. Its mission is to serve "children in crisis", whatever the cause of that crisis. Beginning as an excellent custodial care site, it has transformed itself into a sophisticated treatment facility, up to and including an Acute Residential Treatment Program. The children at the Home receive 24/7/365 care and monitoring (and love).

     The Home was originally called "The Home for Italian Children". It was founded in 1921 by prominent members of Boston's Italian community. Seven Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception staffed the home, and Franciscan sisters ran the Home for the next 50 years. When the Home began serving children from all backgrounds, its name was changed to "The Italian Home for Children". This was done purposely to reflect Italian-American pride in caring for all children and their families.

      When Kristen heard about the Home, she immediately reacted. Kevin Tyo took her on a tour of the facility, which is located on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. It visibly affected her - these are sad children, with little or nothing except their memories of neglect and outright abuse. Many require around-the-clock care. These children have to be carefully taught that life can be joyful; nothing comes naturally to them

     First, Kristen took $100 of her own babysitting earnings and put it against the Home's "Holiday Wish List". There are five kinds of wishes these kids have: toys and games (including lots of batteries), dorm furniture and small appliances, school supplies and books, clothing for all seasons, and personal care items. Donations of money and gift cards for stores and movies are also welcomed. Kristen focused on getting clothes for the Home's young people in the 12- to 15-year-old range.

     Kristen then enlisted the aid of her family and friends. Bags of batteries and toys from Lori Miller's gourmet Club was one result. Kristen also began a drive at the Gatey School, which will take place from December 12 through 15. A letter of hers is being circulated right now. The teachers and Sister Patricia, Gatey's Principal, have been extremely supportive of Kristen's efforts on behalf of The Italian Home for Children. Kristen herself is a poised and soft-spoken young lady. When she has a little time left over after school, babysitting, and helping the Home, she plays basketball with St. Brigid's CYO House League, generally taking a forward's position. She's on the Student Council at school, serving as the representative for Kindergarten. Her travels have taken her to the Centrum and the Mohegan Sun Arena to see her favorite performer, Kelly Clarkson, the first "American Idol". She also likes to write short stories. Perhaps one day, Kristen will win a Pulitzer Prize when she writes the definitive book about childcare to cap off her career.

     If Kristen's story vibrates with you, consider a Christmas "Wish List" gift of some kind to The Italian Home for Children. She and her family reside at 105 Farragut Road. They will be happy to accept anything you can bring by during the next week or two.