In Colorado, there’s a special eighth-grader named Brooklynn who’s doing something incredible. Last week, she got in touch with Penny Appeal USA because she wanted to help Gaza. We were amazed by her determination.
Brooklynn, who’s only 14, has decided to sell stickers at her middle school to raise money for Gaza relief. It’s inspiring to see someone so young making such a big difference and making it count.
After learning about the hardships faced by children in Gaza, Brooklynn felt upset. “I knew that something was going on in Palestine but I truly didn’t know exactly what was happening until I started my research. I found that 15,000 people had already been killed, mostly women and children. It made me sick to my stomach,”
Instead of feeling paralyzed by the devastating situation, she found purpose. “I read a story about a little girl, Anhar Saqr Al-Shanbari, who was a toddler that was murdered which fueled a lot of my anger but I put my anger aside and turned it into passion,” she shared.
Driven by her passion, she decided to take action with two of her friends. “Some people have no way of having a voice,” she explains. “So if I can do something, I should take every single chance.”
For Brooklynn, selling stickers is about making a difference in the lives of others. “I hope I can use that money to help innocent kids who haven’t even gotten to live their lives yet,” she says.
Despite facing doubts from some family members and peers, Brooklynn remains determined to make a positive impact. “I know that change starts with my generation, and if we don’t start now it could be too late, which is why I’m selling stickers in hopes I raise money,” she emphasizes.
“I hope this shows other young people that they can start change at an early age too,” she adds.
As she deals with the challenges of growing up, Brooklynn understands the privilege she has. “My parents have faced money problems that have kept me up at night with anxiety,” she admits. “But I know that others have it much worse, and I want to do what I can to help.”
Through her strong dedication and determination, Brooklynn inspires everyone around her. With every sticker sold, she brings hope to children in Gaza. As she continues her journey, Brooklynn encourages others to join her.
