Kids willing to make sacrifices.

American youngsters who grew up during a decade of glorified materialism are more interested in improving society and bringing about world peace than in making more money or having a better lifestyle than their parents. A national cross-section of school children, aged 10-14, were surveyed for Childreach, an organization that links caring people with needy children and their families in developing countries. The results show that a majority of American pre-teenagers are ready to take action to help the disadvantaged in the U.S. and abroad--even if it means making personal sacrifices. Some key findings include:

* Eighty-two percent indicate that they think the state of the world they pass on to the next generation is very important. In contrast, 21% rate having a better lifestyle than their parents that high.

* More than 60% say they would give up some of their allowance to feed hungry children in developing countries.

* Although nearly two-thirds of the kids surveyed already are involved in some kind of community activity, about 90% stated they would like to do more.

* Eighty-three percent say they are interested in learning about children who live in developing countries.

According to Childreach president Kenneth H. Phillips, "These kids have redefined the American dream. They are telling us they are more concerned about giving the next generation a peaceful world than having another car in the garage. Kids are only 25% of the population, but they are 100% of the future. A lot of our leaders are saying America first--forget about the rest of the world. But these [youngsters] see things differently. They are the first adults of the 21st century. They are visionary; they see one world community."

These children's lives have been...