they raised money and donations of food and toys for Rockwall County Helping Hands.
Lydia King, Kylie Clark and Caleigh Demien pledged to "Being the Light when others feel dark!" by collecting money and new toys to help local needy families. They went door-to-door asking neighbors to pledge money or make a donation to their Fitness Fundraiser held Dec. 14 at Grace Hartman Elementary. Coach DeStefano was the official record keeper for sit-ups, push-ups and sets of 10 jump rope rotations in one hour at the after-school event.
Their efforts raised $1,248 and two bags of toys for the non-profit agency, showing that "three 11-year-olds can make a difference in our community." They cited James 1:27 as their inspiration.
The girls wanted to do something for kids whose families couldn't afford Christmas gifts, explained Travis King, Lydia's dad.
"They called several different organizations and decided that Helping Hands would be able to get the money to the families in need," he said. "I am very proud of all three girls. They wanted to make a difference in their community instead of just receiving gifts at Christmas."
The girls also collected stuffed toys for orphanages in Dallas and Vietnam.
Nate Lasby decided to forego presents at his Nov. 21st birthday party, instead asking that his friends bring food for the Helping Hands Food Pantry, which he delivered to the non-profit agency on his actual birthday, Nov. 25.
Nate is 7.
The Flowers family agreed to save money on their heating bill - so they turned off the heat in December. Sons Rian, 10, and Carson, 13, got to split the savings and distribute it to charity. Rian donated $145 to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, and Carson donated his share to the Rockwall animal adoption shelter.
"We've decided this will be an annual event," said the boys' mother, Lou Flowers, noting that the heat was finally turned on when the temperature upstairs dropped to 25 degrees!
Helping others is very important to her family, she said, noting that, "The boys like to volunteer. They realize that some people die from the cold while we can just turn on the heat."
The giving spirit of youths in Rockwall County is so great and so appreciated, said Sherry Hamm, the agency's director of Assistance and Referral.
"Helping Hands is so grateful for these children and their generous spirits," said Mrs. Hamm. "It's difficult to meet the needs of our clients, especially during the holidays, and these youngsters were there for us during our most critical time."
For more information about Helping Hands, a non-profit critical assistance agency, please call 972-771-HELP.
