As a former editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine and having worked at CosmoGIRL, Redbook, and Scholastic–Sabrina Weill has worked on many stories about families battling difficult odds, and has often wondered what more she could do. Sabrina had the idea to create ProjectAngelMom.com, whose purpose is to connect moms-in-deed directly with families-in-need. Read our interview with this fabulous humanitarian!

What is ProjectAngelMom.com?

ProjectAngelMom.com gives direct-donation information for the real families behind the most heartbreaking news headlines. I got the idea the evening I saw a show about parents who sent all 4 of their children to college by recycling millions of bottles and cans. I thought to myself, “How can I send this woman a check?” But then I couldn’t find any contact information for her online. When I told a friend about this the next day, she told me she'd done the exact same thing! So, the idea for ProjectAngelMom.com was born. I wanted to create a website where people who are inspired by tragic news stories could find out direct-donation information for the families behind those headlines. And 100% of donations go directly to the families profiled on the site.

What made you want to launch Project Angel Teen?

Having worked as a magazine editor for 14 years -- I was formerly editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine-- I am constantly delighted by how passionate teens are about making their world a better place.

How is Project Angel Teen different from other, similar programs?

Both of the Angel sites are examples of Micro-philanthropy, also known as person-to-person giving. A growing number of people feel that micro-philanthropy is a wonderfully personal, rewarding way to be charitable because you can really understand the impact of your actions. With Micro-philanthropy, you can see exactly where your money is going and who it's helping. Since 100% of all donations go directly to the families being featured on the sites, there's no question about where the donations are going.

What are the short term and long term goals of your programs?

I've worked on so many stories about individuals and families in dire circumstances, and always wondered if I could do more to help them. ProjectAngelMom.com (and soon ProjectAngelTeen.com ) allow people to donate directly to these families and to have a direct impact on their lives--that's the goal.

What message do you hope to carry across to today's teens?

I'm telling teens something they already know: they can have a huge, positive impact on their world. What Project: AngelTeen is giving them is a convenient, easy way to do something that they instinctively already want to be doing: helping out people who need their help. 

How can today's youth help?

There will be an announcement when Project: AngelTeen is ready and then they can come to the site and pick a project to help with or submit their own project--I can't wait to see what they'll do!