After being challenged to help make the world environmentally safe back in April, 1996 at the Spectrum of Light Conference in Washington, D.C., Ashley returned to her home town determined to make a difference. She began working on Girl Scout environment badges such as Eco-Action and came up with the project "Chain of Hope" (hope for a substantial future). She calculated that if people nationwide would collect enough recyclable six-pack rings to stretch across the United States, 19.5 million recyclable six-pack rings would be kept out of landfills.

Working in partnership with ITW Hi-Cone, she is asking kids across the nation to join the Ring Leader Program and collect rings to create a "Chain of Hope" long enough to stretch across the United States. This year-long program began at the Spectrum of Light Youth March in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 1997. This "Chain of Hope" will minimize waste, prevent pollution, encourage recycling, show action, and help to educate our communities on the importance of taking care of the Earth.

• Read a letter from Lauch Faircloth, United States Senator to Ashley Wilkins, Founder Kids B.E.S.T., dated March 30, 1998.

• Read a letter from Melvine Boone, Advisor for Kids B.E.S.T. and Ashley Wilkins, Founder of Kids B.E.S.T. to Matt Hayden, ITW Hi-Cone, dated April 13, 1998.

• Read a letter from Matt Hayden, ITW Hi-Cone to Dominic Finelli, Custom Vending, dated April 13, 1998.