In recognition of the literal meaning of “thanksgiving,” local youth Mia Scardello decided to make it her mission to both give thanks for the blessings in her own life and simultaneously share her love with those who are facing a challenge in their lives.
Mia Scardello, left, recently donated nearly 400 pairs of fuzzy socks to Lorraine Tallman, right, founder of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. The socks will be add to care packages put together by Tallman and handed out to families who have a child diagnosed with cancer or other blood-related disorders and who are receiving out-patient and in-patient services at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (submitted photo).
“An organization that I felt I could best help is Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels,” explains Mia, an eighth grader at St. Francis Xavier. “This organization is amazing and it gives that extra support to kids challenged with cancer.”
Mia decided to hold a Fuzzy Sock Drive in November to support Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. Her goal was 100 pairs of fuzzy socks, sometimes called slipper socks. She left a basket outside her front door and started spreading the word to her schoolmates, neighbors, extended family, and beyond. She created a flier that could be handed out, e-mailed and posted to social media sites.
Mia far exceeded her goal, bringing in a total of 494 pairs of fuzzy socks. “I really appreciated all the donations and the time and effort it took [everyone] to help me with this project,” she said. “With their help, we provided hundreds of kids, who are going through a rough time, a warm foot hug.”
The socks will be added to each Comfycozy Care bag put together by Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, founded in 2013 in celebration of Amanda Hope’s life that ended all too soon when she lost her battle against leukemia. During her four-year fight, the North Central resident dreamed that one day she would design a fun clothing line for kids in the same type of situation that would provide comfort and dignity during treatment.
Lorraine Tallman, Amanda’s mother, started Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. Tallman offers comfort and support to families who have a child diagnosed with cancer or other blood-related disorders and who are receiving services at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
One of the many things she does is supply each child with Comfycozy Care Gifts, which are bright, washable backpacks that contain Comfycozy’s T-Shirts that are specially designed with zippers, pockets and holes allowing healthcare professionals access to a child’s ports and tubes while the child’s body remains covered. These T-shirts are in fun tie-dye colors—a favorite design of Amanda’s—and come in many sizes.
This gift package includes educational material, information about community resources and other “fun stuff” just for the child—now including the fuzzy socks from Mia’s donation drive.
For more information, visit http://www.amandahoperainbowangels.org.
