Local Youth Raises Money For Angel Tree
- Jennifer Pittman
- Dec 30, 2015
- 3 min read
While many 10-year olds are putting the finishing touches on their own Christmas lists, one Arkadelphia youth is busy raising money for other children’s Christmas presents.
Blaise Batson, a fifth grader at Peake Elementary, has made it her mission this Christmas season to raise funds to donate to the Junior Auxiliary of Arkadelphia’s annual Angel Tree project. She’s passionate about the Angel Tree, which helps to provide clothing necessities and Christmas gifts to needy children of Clark County, because, as she asserted, “I want every kid to have presents and their needs met like mine are.”
Blaise is knitting ear warmers and selling them for $10 each. Her original goal was to sell 10 in order to make a $100 donation to the Angel Tree. She quickly surpassed that goal and now hopes to sell enough for a $200 donation; she’s currently halfway to that second goal.
Having learned the skill of finger-knitting from a Youtube video recently, Blaise described how she came about the idea for the fundraiser: “My mom knew that I love to make things and also love helping people, so when she suggested it (making ear warmers), I knew it was the perfect job for me.”
In order to keep up with the demand, Blaise takes her knitting bag in the car, to ball games, and anywhere else she thinks she can find time to work. Mom, dad, and brother Cabb are all very proud of her dedication and initiative. “Her daddy and I (and her big brother, too) are very proud of her,” reported mom Jill. “I have no talent in the area of finger-knitting,” she continued, “so am glad she was able to figure it out on her own!”
This is not Blaise’s first experience with the Angel Tree, however.
The daughter of Jill and Blake Batson, Blaise has grown up hearing about the importance of giving back.
“Blake and I have chosen angels or donated since we got married,” explained Jill. “When we had Cabb and Blaise, we knew we would continue that commitment and get them involved, too.”
Blaise first became interested in the organization when her older brother Cabb was a part of Peake Elementary’s student council fundraising and shopping experience for the Angel Tree. Nicole McGough, who is in her fifth year of co-chairing the Angel Tree with Brandi Prince, said that to her knowledge, Blaise is the first child to start her own fundraiser for the cause.
“I have known Blaise and her family for years and they are all wonderful, giving people,” McGough revealed. “I am excited that she wants to be a part of our project, and it makes me even happier to see selflessness and philanthropy in such a young person.”
McGough, a local teacher, further illustrated the necessity for the Angel Tree in Clark County. “As a teacher I am surrounded by children every day. I see the children that don’t have clothes that fit, coats to wear when it’s cold outside, or school supplies. It is a very real problem, right here in our county.”
Echoing Blaise’s reasoning for being involved in the Angel Tree, McGough emphasized, “All children deserve appropriate clothing, shoes, and things to play with and learn from.” Being involved with the Angel Tree cause is, indeed, a heartwarming experience for all. “It never ceases to amaze me how much people want to give and help out with this project,” expressed McGough.
“My favorite part of the holiday season has become Angel Tree due to the good I get to witness over and over in the people of our community,” especially from generous donors like Blaise Batson and her family, she concluded.
*This article recently appeared in the Arkadelphia Siftings Herald.
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