Westchester Teen Honored For Holiday Good Works, How You Can Help

PORT CHESTER, NY — A Port Chester student's selfless holiday wish has earned her recognition from local officials and helped to make the season a little brighter for her peers in challenging situations.

Sky Sams, a 13-year-old STEER Student Athlete from Port Chester, set the lofty goal of collecting as many $25 Visa Gift Cards as there are teenagers in Westchester County’s Foster Care System. After making a video and posting it on social media to enlist the help of her family, friends and peers, she was able to raise enough money to purchase 118 $25 dollar gift cards, enough for the 116 teenagers in Westchester County Foster Care, according to Westchester County officials who took time to recognized the teenager's exceptional efforts.

"Sky’s compassion is an example to us all," Westchester Department of Social Services Commissioner Leonard Townes said in a statement lauding the teenager's thoughtfulness and success. "Her willingness to sacrifice her time and consider others above herself is a true reflection of the spirit of the holidays and the meaning of Christmas. The heart she displayed is one we all need to imitate."

To find out more about how you can follow Sams' example and make donations to children in Westchester County’s Foster Care System, contact Barbara Sabater at (914­) 995­-1937 or via email at bms7@westchestergov.com.