Laney Yates is a 10-year-old little girl with a big heart! What began as a virtual learning assignment, turned into a moment she would never forget. “A Soldiers Night Before Christmas” was the title of the video Laney was asked to view and reflect on by her fifth grade teacher. Little did she know that it would bring about an act of kindness that would certainly have a major impact on many.
Laney wanted to do something over the holiday season to help disabled veterans. After pondering on many great ideas of raising money, she decided that she would use a skill she recently learned from her grandma. The skill of making hot chocolate bombs.
Her mother posted the video that had touched Laney and information about ordering hot chocolate bombs on her Facebook page. They thought maybe she could get a few people to buy some and she set a goal of raising $100.
The response she received from Facebook orders was astounding. Laney was amazed at how many people were ordering and supporting her in this amazing project she wanted so desperately to succeed. She finally had to end the orders because she wanted to make sure she could fill them and do a good job. She made a total of 125 hot chocolate bombs and raised a total of $300. Laney tripled her goal!
She wanted to meet some veterans and donate locally, so she contacted the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 118 of Marshall County. Laney was able to have an amazing experience of giving back to those who have done so much for us. She met two veterans and heard many stories of their time in the service. There was a need that the DAV had and Laney’s donation was going to be used to help fill that need.
What an amazing experience for such a young child. This small gesture has opened doors for her to continue to make donations and she is eagerly looking forward to another endeavor that will also be given to this great group.
Thank you Laney for this sweet story during the holiday season. It’s so refreshing to hear that our future is brighter because of people like you. Keep that giving spirit alive!
Laney wanted to thank everyone who supported her, purchased a hot chocolate bomb or made a donation.
