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Christmas will come early for the Blue Door thanks to three Aurora youth.
Mckenna Burt, Emily Melissas and Sophia Purcell will be going door-to-door until Dec. 11 dressed in Santa hats and aprons singing a carol in exchange for donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries and gently used clothing for the shelter. Last year, the trio of friends collected 600 items and hopes to surpass the achievement this year.
“No matter what age you are, you can make a difference.”
“One can of food can make a difference in so many people’s lives,” Sophia said. “No matter what age you are, you can make a difference.”
The 10, 11 and eight-year-old-girls were standing at a bus stop when they were discussing caroling in movies and how much they loved to sing. After they had agreed they would like to go caroling and make it a fundraiser, the girls had to decide what charity they wanted to support. “We know someone who had to use Blue Door, so we decided it would be good to help them,” Emily said. “People shouldn’t have to choose between food and toothpaste.”
The experience of dropping off the donations last year made them feel fortunate as they realized there are people in their community who truly have very little of their own, including essentials such as food and clothing.
“I felt proud and happy that I could make a difference,” Mckenna said.
Most people praise their efforts and are more than willing to give when they hear their revised version of Jingle Bells. But there have been some funny moments, too. “Most people say how cute we are and ask questions,” Sophia said. “But one lady did tell us to shush because her baby was sleeping.”
This year, the girls want to fulfill the shelter’s wish list that includes pasta, cake mix, cereal and canned tuna. If you wish to donate to the cause, donations can also be dropped off at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex.