When you enter the lobby of South Elementary School in Andover, Massachusetts, you’re greeted with a donation box that supports the efforts of one standout human being — fifth-grader Tully O’Keefe (11).
For the last few years, Tully’s been collecting money to buy bikes for girls in Vietnam.
Tully’s mom, Kristin Bair O’Keefe, describes her kind-hearted daughter as self-motivated, stating, “Every year, [Tully’s] the one who initiates [it].”
Just before her 8th birthday, Tully, who was adopted from Vietnam, decided that instead of presents for her birthday, she’d ask for donations to support the Rock-Paper-Scissors Children’s Fund — a Rhode Island-based non-profit organization that offers arts and music programs and summer camps to kids in Vietnam, but also provides bikes and helmets to school-aged kids.
In a lot of the rural areas, there aren’t buses, but still a lot of traffic so it’s safer for the kids to bike to school in groups rather than walk.
Tully was drawn to the mission of helping girls get to school because she has a huge passion for learning and wants to help others. The incredible fifth grader shares, “I love school, and I can’t imagine not being able to go to school.”
The first year Tully started raising funds, she garnered $450 in monetary gifts, but over the years has been able to bring in more donations annually. This year, she’s already surpassed her 2019 goal of raising $2,000.
Tully’s also inspiring kids in her own community. Recently, she spoke at a school assembly highlighting students whom are making a difference.
When Principal Tracy Crowley asked Tully is she wanted any help during the assembly, the 11 year old was like “Nope, I’ve got it,” and totally seized the moment, making a huge impact on her peers.
To learn more about the non-profit Rock-Paper-Scissors that Tully has partnered with, visit them online HERE.
(MSN)