No. 19 Vol. 8
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Project During Pandemic Leads Morristown Girl to Create “Flags of Gratitude”
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By Steve Sears n June, 11-year-old Callie Danysh of Morristown was honored by the local Peck School with their 2020-2021 Community Service Award during their Robin Ross Ceremony. Although Callie doesn’t attend the school, she is the youngest ever to receive the award, and she was being recognized for giving back in multiple streams during the Covid19 pandemic. While a member of Cub Scouts (she is now a member of Scouts Troop 1936 BSA), virtual meetings became the norm, and she and her group were given electives to choose from. “Build My Own Hero” was Callie’s choice, her job to choose a local hero to give an award to. However, Callie had a better idea. “I thought to myself, ‘Why honor one hero when we can honor them all?’ And she did. Callie set out to create flags with drawings buttressed with inspirational, positive messages on them to be delivered to frontline heroes, those face-to-face daily with the deadly coronavirus. Her hope was to spark positivity, lift spirits, and bring unity to communities which, due to the pandemic, was being separated. She was aided by her own den members and those of her brother’s den to help create and distribute the flags. The initial number was
Callie Danysh handing a “Flags of Gratitude” to a healthcare worker. Photos courtesy of the Danysh family
astounding. Over 600 flags were delivered locally in Morristown, Morris Plains, and Morris Township to police and fire departments, EMT’s, and healthcare professionals at Morristown Medical Center and the Atlantic Rehab & Wellness Center. Their reciprocal response of gratitude made her realize she had to continue spreading that kindness to more folks. Struggling restaurants and businesses – some in deep financial straits that were eventually forced to close - were next. “She would do like a set of about 8,” says her mom, Andrea, who throughout the process has been her partner, helping by making art supply and flag purchases, creating Mixtiles (8 x 8 framed photos of her flags), and keeping the public updated
by posting on Callie’s website and social media pages. “I think she hit pretty much every restaurant in Morristown. They love it; they’re so pleased, and at the time it just brought a smile to their face. It was very uplifting and they really enjoyed it. She (Callie) is very creative.” Callie has now distributed over 2,000 flags. Non-profit organizations were not excluded. In addition, folks have requested custom flags and Mixtiles for themselves and\ or others, and purchased these and Mixtiles via the Flags of Gratitude website, which donates 100% of those proceeds to charity. Last July, the raised $1,000 was donated to Help Morris Now, helping to feed the Morristown community, and her other goal was to raise $5,000 for St. Hubert’s
Dog Rescue and Good Grief Grief Support Center for Children and Families. She is very close to raising her desired amount. Any other donations submitted are used for Callie’s supplies so she can continue her fine work. From her Peck School speech, Callie says, “Flags of Gratitude has taught me the simple life lessons. How sometimes a small gesture of kindness is needed to brighten someone’s day. It has made me realize that there is always someone to thank and that expressing gratitude is the key to let others know they are appreciated. The words “thank you” are often taken for granted.” More information about Callie and her endeavors can be found at www.flagsofgratitude.com.
August 2021
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