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A typical day for Chloe McAfee and Hanna Massey might include planning a concert at The Camp House or meeting with their college interns via a Skype conference call. Or they might make beaded jewelry to sell for their cause, Blooming Grace.
It’s a lot for 11-year-olds to have on their plate.
Yes, Chloe and Hanna are both fifth-graders at McConnell Elementary School. But their age doesn’t stop them from acting on the things they are passionate about.
In February, Blooming Grace went live online and in the Hixson community. The girls are partnering with Lifesong for Orphans to raise funds for supplies to give to the Lifesong for Orphans elementary school in Kitwe, Zambia.
“I want to give back to the orphans because they don’t have everything we have and I kind of feel like it’s not fair,” said Hanna. “Everyone should be included; everyone should be equal.”
Hanna first became interested in the cause when a representative from Zambia, Sheila Schwab, came to McConnell and spoke to the entire fifth-grade class.
Schwab is a friend of Chloe’s family — Chloe’s father Keith McAfee worked for Lifesong for Orphans — so Chloe had been wanting to start something like Blooming Grace for a long time.
During Schwab’s talk about the orphans and vulnerable children in need in Zambia, the students were in awe, and Hanna said she was moved to tears. She had to get involved in some way, she said.
“For an 11-year-old it’s hard to stay focused; you need to be a part of a team,” Keith McAfee said. “When Hanna called, it was an answer. They mesh and they just do it. They’re learning that together they can do a lot.”
The two girls have planned at least three upcoming events to raise funds for the project. They’ve gathered classmates to help make beaded and hemp bracelets to sell. They’ve canvassed in their neighborhood and talked with local business owners, many of whom have jumped on board with their mission by donating time and services.
“What I think is important is to raise money for these orphans to let them have a better life and let them have an education,” said Chloe.
The girls hope to visit the school in Zambia to meet the students for themselves and to deliver supplies in 2015.
To learn more about the cause and how to get involved, visit bloominggrace.org.
Who is Blooming Grace
The name “Blooming Grace” comes from the meaning of our names; Chloe means “Blooming” and Hanna means “Grace.” Blooming Grace was born to raise awareness for children in need around the world. Once we became aware of the need, we knew we had to get involved. Through our “little” organization, we have partnered with Lifesong for Orphans in order to raise funds for the supplies needed at the school in Kitwe, Zambia.
We know that we will face some obstacles but, for at least the next four months, we plan to give our all. After that time, because our parents think it is best to re-evaluate the situation, we will decide whether or not to keep going. However, we are “looking” into some possible events that “could” take place in the summer and fall. We shall see. :-)
We cannot do it without you! Please consider joining us, we … they need you! Thanks for your support and, again, we invite you to join us on our journey.
Chloe
My hobbies include running, volleyball, making bracelets, baking, and playing outside. My favorite foods are pizza, popcorn, hot chocolate AND any type of candy.
It is my hope that you will join me and Hanna in our journey to help children both here, at home, and around the world. There is much work to be done and we cannot do it without you.
Hanna
My hobbies are basketball, volleyball, running, and helping special needs children. My favorite foods are pizza, salad, popcorn AND any type of candy.
I invite you to come and be a part of our trek to help children in the United States as well as around the world. We have a whole lot work to do and we need your help!.
