Celebrating Kids Helping Others

BY HEIDI NYBURG

Maybe it’s the salt air, the towering redwoods, or the sparkling ocean - who knows? But there is something about growing up in Santa Cruz that does a kid good. Santa Cruz kids know how to do good by contributing to their community and beyond.

Please meet Vivienne, a third grader at Santa Cruz Montessori and a kid who is growing up doing good. She recently started a month-long donation drive in her classroom and neighborhood to raise money and gather supplies for the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter and for the Santa Cruz SPCA. We had a chance to sit down with Vivienne and chat with her about her experience helping others.

Vivienne, what inspired you or gave you the idea to help animals?

I saw an ad where this kid had a van full of stuff to give out to people who didn’t have a place to live. He gave them toothbrushes and snacks and all kinds of things they needed, and it made everyone really happy. So, I wanted to try to help somewhere too, and I chose to help animals.

What kinds of things did you gather in the drive?

Harnesses, leashes, clean blankets and towels, dog food, cat food, and money. I raised $230.81.

How did you raise the money?

I made bracelets, custom bracelets with names on them and when someone donated money or anything I gave them a bracelet. And my parents said they would donate and match how much money I raised. I made forty-three bracelets for the school donations and in my neighborhood, I made 12 bracelets.

What was your favorite part about running a donation drive? Helping the animals.

What did you learn along the way?

I got to see the animals at the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, and I met Dana. And I met Pete at the SPCA, and he gave me and my mom a tour of the entire SPCA and I got to learn how everything works. The animals at the SPCA get to hear different music and sounds and smell different things every day to help them get ready to be adopted. It was so cool.

Who were your favorite animals that you met? At the animal shelter I liked Betty the cat and at the SPCA I liked Topsy and Turvy, they are sibling kittens.

What is your advice to other kids who want to help in their community? Do it well. Oh, and be organized.

If you know a kid who is out there working hard to make a difference and would like to share their story and inspire other kids please email your contact info to editor@ growingupsantacruz.com for a chance to be featured and to win a prize.

Mount Madonna School wishes you much success as you continue on your journey: California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo; Clarkson University; Purchase College, State University of New York; Tulane University, University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, San Diego; and University of California, Santa Barbara.