Small Act, Big Comfort: One Girl’s Drive to Help Kids

AURORA, CO – When 12-year-old Ella began looking for a volunteer opportunity, she knew she wanted to help other kids in her community who might be going through a difficult time. Through JustServe, she learned about the need for comfort items for children arriving at the Denver Samaritan House.

Children who arrive at Samaritan House are often tired, overwhelmed, and sometimes frightened. Many have experienced instability, and even small acts of kindness can help them feel safer. One simple way the shelter helps ease that stress is by letting children choose a stuffed animal to keep—something soft they can hold onto during a hard moment.

Wanting to help, Ella organized a Cozy Companion Drive to collect stuffed animals for the children. With support from her community, she gathered 78 new and gently used stuffed animals, which were donated to the Denver Samaritan House, part of Catholic Charities of Denver. Each one will now be given to a child arriving at the shelter, offering comfort and reassurance when they need it most.

For Ella, the experience was both meaningful and exciting.

“It made me feel really excited to help kids who might be having a hard time,” she shared. “Sometimes a small thing like a stuffed animal can make someone feel a little better.”

Ella hopes her project reminds others that service opportunities are everywhere if we are willing to look for them. “There is a need in every community,” she said. “You just have to look for the opportunities because they will present themselves.”

Through one simple idea and a willingness to serve, Ella helped bring comfort to dozens of children and demonstrated how even young volunteers can make a real difference in their communities.

#UpliftColorado