Forty-seven-year-old Curtis Betzler has defied the stereotypes of his generation, one that was supposed to be inclined toward apathy.

Perhaps he learned the value of service at Bellevue’s St. Louise Catholic School, or maybe he just likes to see a good thing grow.

Either way, Betzler has inspired a movement with his dedication to helping kids.

The St. Louise alum teaches 8th grade science at Issaquah’s Beaver Lake Middle School, but his influence spreads beyond the classroom.

He’s reaching the entire Issaquah educational community, the minds of local parents and business leaders, and resource-strapped students across the globe in Africa.

Betzler is the founder of Generation Joy, an organization that delivers educational supplies to under-served areas of the world, beginning with South Africa.

The organization works with students to conduct a yearly humanitarian drive that collects items ranging from teddy bears and blankets to notebook paper.

The campaign starts with youth volunteers who give presentations to their peers at neighboring schools. It ends with students visiting South Africa to deliver the supplies in person.

“The whole idea is to have kids helping kids,” Betzler said.

Each year, a team of teens, parents and teachers flies overseas to help with the program.

Beaver Lake 8th grader Toby Brown traveled with the 12-member group last year, and says he noticed right away that schools are different in South Africa.

“I didn’t see many books at all,” he said. “The students didn’t have much, but they were really happy and having a good time learning.”

Linda Guard took the trip with her daughter, Beaver Lake 8th grader Harper Guard, and says she’s grateful for the lessons her child learned.

“It showed our kids that there are parts of the world that aren’t like The (Sammamish) Plateau,” Linda said. “They see that they can have an impact on a lot of people. It empowers our kids when they see how effective they can be.”

Generation Joy traces its roots to one of Betzler’s earlier attempts at altruism. Following a trip to Ghana in 2001, he decided to collect used textbooks for schools there.

Betzler realized he couldn’t afford to ship the supplies to Africa, but with help from Beaver Lake Principal Josh Almy, he connected with a man who travels frequently to South Africa and arranged to send the donations to that country instead.

His efforts grew over time until he was sending away entire freight containers with help from students, parents and teachers from the Issaquah School District.

Betzler formed Generation Joy in 2007 and enlisted a group called the Beaver Lake Outreach Community of Kids (BLOCK) to do much of the organization’s heavy lifting.

BLOCK is responsible for most of the planning and executing of this year’s donation drive, which takes place March 9-27.

Entrepreneur Roger Teeter pays each year to ship the containers.

Last year, Generation Joy filled two 40-foot freight containers with supplies. Among the thousands of goods packed in those vessels were 11,000 books, 170 computers, 60 bicycles, and hundreds of soccer balls.

Betzler’s efforts in youth advocacy earned him one of the 2008 “Sammi Awards,” which recognize people from the Sammamish community whose passions inspire others.

The National Catholic Educational Association also named Betzler the 2009 Catholic Elementary School Distinguished Graduate because of his achievements.

Betzler said he would like to see Generation Joy grow with an increased number of students, more areas served, scholarships, and perhaps an exchange program for students and teachers.

“The potential is endless,” he said. “I think kids enjoy giving. They just need an outlet and a resource.”

Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at 425-453-4290.

Generation Joy needs donations of educational supplies, reading materials, new clothing, sports equipment, new and gently-used shoes, First Aid materials, and comfort items such as dolls, blankets, and baby bottles.

For additional information about the organization, visit www.genjoy.org.