WESTFIELD-Whenever 12-year-old Abbie Balser sees a need in her community – or around the globe – she wants to answer the call.
“When I looked at pictures of people who didn’t have food or shelter after the hurricanes, it broke my heart,” said Balser. “I knew people needed help so I created a pamphlet with an idea for my school.”
South Middle School seventh grader Abbie Balser displays two checks that were recently donated to hurricane relief efforts in Florida and Texas. (Submitted photo).
Balser, daughter of Amy and Todd Balser, is a seventh grade student at South Middle School. Since she was four, Balser has raised funds for causes including cancer research and animal shelters in the city.
“Every year she raises funds for causes that are important to her,” said Amy Balser. “She makes us proud.”
Since time was short to raise funds, Balser met with the school principal, Paul Newton, and her teachers shortly into the new school year, to devise a fundraiser to collect donations.
“We were very excited to help Abbie fulfill a passion she had and to help her navigate the process,” said Donna Shibley, one of Balser’s seventh grade teachers.
During a two-week period, three empty water cooler jugs – labeled for sixth, seventh and eighth grades – were displayed and students and staff were welcomed to drop money into them. As part of the fundraiser, the grade that raised the most funds would be treated to an ice cream party as a thank you. Also, “dress down monies” were collected and donated by the school staff during the fundraising period.
“I had one friend who emptied her penny bank and donated all of it,” said Balser, who also took one Sunday afternoon at her home to run a lemonade stand that raised $66.
Abbie Balser spearheaded a collection drive for hurricane victims in Florida and Texas at the South Middle School in September. She also conducted a lemonade stand outside her home one Sunday to raise additional funds. (Submitted photo)
“We posted her lemonade stand on Facebook and not only did friends and neighbors stop by, but visitors who were attending the open house next door,” said Amy Balser.
When the competition came to a close – $400 was raised and the students in the seventh grade enjoyed an ice cream social for having collected the most funds.
“It felt so good that everyone wanted to help those hurt by the hurricanes,” said Balser.
Shibley noted to ensure that funds went directly to relief efforts – she recommended the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) of Florida and Texas. Shibley, a member of GFWC in Agawam, knew the organizations were providing volunteers and the funds would directly benefit the hurricane victims.
“We checked with Abbie and she liked the idea,” said Shibley, noting they then went to the bank to have the checks processed – $200 for each state organization.
“I see a future leader in Abbie,” said Shibley. “She is a great student and a friend to many.”
For Balser – who relishes her mathematics and science classes and has set her sights on being a physician – there will be more challenges to tackle in the future.
“It only takes one person with an idea to help make a difference,” said Balser, adding the importance of also involving the community in the school’s efforts. “I want to thank everyone who helped us raise money to help others.”
