Mentor High Student Raises Money To Protect African Children From War

Some teenagers search the Internet for music or funny clips of squirrels on YouTube.

When Sarah Perry was in eighth grade, she used it to find charities she could help.

That was how Perry -- who is now a senior at -- heard about Invisible Children, a group of documentarians who try to protect African children from a war that has gone on for more than 25 years.

In Uganda, Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army regularly kidnapped children and forced them to join their war against the country's government. It is estimated that as many as 90 percent of the LRA were abducted as children.

The LRA has spread its hostilities to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the south of Sudan.

"When I learned about Invisible Children, I felt an immediate connection," Perry said.

"These children have suffered in ways I'll never have to experience," she said. "I'll never have to hold a gun or shoot my own family. But it is happening all of the time there."

Perry has worked to raise funds and awareness for the cause for the last four years. Earlier this year, she raised $300 by convincing her teachers to grow out their facial hair for the Beards for Bills Drive.

"The biggest thing (Invisible Children) needs right now is money, because they're building radio towers in the Congo (to warn villages about LRA raids,) schools and rehabilitation centers," Perry said.

People can learn more about the LRA, Invisible Children and how they can help this Saturday morning.

The will host a free screening of Invisible Children's latest documentary at 10 a.m, which highlights the life of one boy and how he was affected by the LRA.

While the screening is free, donations will be accepted.

Those who wish to support Invisible Children, can also give through Perry's fundraising site.