As Little Miss Leesburg: I participate in the Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program, which encourages volunteering and giving back to the community. For “Act of Kindness Day” I chose to give back by making blankets for newborns at a children’s hospital.  

I am very grateful for: The nice thank-you letter that I received from the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. I’ve been making knot blankets for eight months and delivered 195 blankets to them. 

I chose the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children because: They took such great care of my aunt and little cousin when she was born there. It makes me feel good knowing that I’ve made a little girl or boy happy.

The first blanket I ever made was: A Valentine’s gift for my adopted grandma, Ms. Peggy Sue. I look forward to afternoons making blankets with her.   

A favorite moment of mine is when: A little girl in Lake County had received one of my blankets. Her family found out that her little brother was also going to need surgery. They didn’t want to ask for another blanket since they had already received one earlier for their daughter. So, I made a special one just for him and made sure it was delivered in time for the day of his surgery.  

My goal was: To make 150 blankets within two weeks. I was able to meet that goal, so I increased it to 250. Several people have reached out to me asking to donate materials or help me make blankets so that I could meet my goal.

My greatest advice to other kids my age is: The little acts of kindness mean the most.

Something that makes me happy is: Meeting new people and getting to know them. 

My future goal is: To one day become an attorney so that I can help others. 

Photos: Nicole Hamel