Emmie Parker, Serena Ortiz, both 12, Hannah Hardman, 11, and Presley Hardman, 10, spent their summer off from school making a difference in their local community. The girls, from Canton, held a bake sale through the summer to benefit the Georgia Firefighter’s Burn Foundation.
“They wanted to do something to give back, and we all went through different organizations they could get involved with,” said Gretchen Parker, Emmie’s mother. Through some research, they chose the burn foundation because of the children’s burn camp, Camp Oo-U-La (pronounced ooo-yah-la). The name means cool water.
“We thought [the camp] was such a great idea!” said Emmie. “The kids and teenagers have a place where they can go for the week and have fun with no worries of feeling self-conscious of their injuries. So, we decided we could at least try to raise some money to donate to the foundation.”
The week-long summer camp is provided by the Georgia Firefighter’s Burn Foundation to provide children with the opportunity to engage in self-esteem building activities, special events and take part in opportunities to grow in their physical and emotional recovery.
The girls sold homemade baked goods, popcorn and drinks at various locations such as the Bridgemill Athletic Club and a car show in Downtown Canton to raise money for the nonprofit. The effort brought in $303 that was donated to the burn foundation.
“We were so appreciative of the effort of these kids getting involved to support the foundation and its efforts,” said Tequila Moore, office administrator. “All the community support helps towards the many programs we provide to burn victims.”
Around for 30 years, the Georgia Firefighter’s Burn Foundation offers awareness programs, safety and prevention education and various grants to fulfill its mission to help survivors and prevent trauma from burn injuries.
In addition to the bake sale, the girls made homemade dog treats for animal rescues, painted pictures for sick children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and visited the elderly in assisted living centers.
Collectively responding on their desire to give back, they simply stated, “It is easy to do something nice for others, so why not?”
For more information on Emmie, Serena, Hannah, and Presley’s efforts, contact Gretchen Parker at gretchenparker@windstream.net
In Other News: Marlow's Tavern in Dunwoody on Aug. 30 presented a check for $5,638 to Special Olympics Georgia. The money was raised during the pre-opening week fundraiser and will benefit year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
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