Children Are The Future, 'Teach Them Well And Let Them Lead The Way'

GUILFORD, CT — It wasn't just any weekend morning tag sale. First, everything was free; it was donations only. Guilford 7 1/2-year-old Ellery wanted to help the people of Ukraine and shelter pets.

When she walks into her Guilford Lakes Elementary School second-grade class on Tuesday, she'll know in her heart she's made a difference.

Her mother Laurie Casper could not be prouder.

"I'm so proud of my daughter, who is truly learning how much one person can accomplish," she said.

Ellery's wish was that the money she and her mother raised in the yard sale and lemonade stand could be put to a good use. She wanted to help both people and shelter pets at The Animal Haven in North Haven.

Casper reached out to United Help Ukraine, based in Maryland.

"We are touched deep in the heart about Ukraine’s troubles right now, so my daughter wanted to raise money for your mission," she wrote in an email. "We had a tag sale yesterday and my daughter raised slightly under $500 to donate to United Help Ukraine. I’m going to round up and send a check for $500. I just want to make sure I have the right address to send it to you. I want to send a check so my daughter who is 7 can also write a note, so she feels like we are sending you something, rather than hit the donate button on a computer screen."

Olenka from United Help Ukraine responded:

"Your daughter is such a kind and ambitious person. Thank you for her support to Ukraine. We would really appreciate notes and drawings, we pack a lot of tactical first aid kits, just packed 3,000 this weekend, and always are in need of encouraging notes to include for the brave defenders. Thank you for raising such a caring daughter who is not afraid to make things happen."

Here's the artwork Ellery created for United Help Ukraine, to be sent along with a check from the many donations received last weekend.

Patch learned about the child and mother's generosity from a neighbor, Renet Fagan.

"Ellery has a very sensitive, joyful and generous nature. It's important that her desire to help children just like her who are struggling throughout the world be acknowledged," Fagan said. "We should all be inspired to take similar actions to support each other, both in our small towns and throughout the world. Every small action matters; every person matters! We are all so proud of Ellery and glad that her efforts are being both acknowledged and, more importantly, celebrated!"

Casper told Patch that her daughter, and she, were so inspired that she reached out to a local business to join them.

Daniela Balzano at Water Street Jewelers, with locations in both Guilford and Madison, agreed to having a letter drop box in the shop for folks to "drop off a letter/drawing if they have an extra few minutes to spare."

The plan is to send those along to United Help Ukraine.