Hoffman Estates children raise money for car seats

Three children from the Village of Hoffman Estates decided to raise money for the purchase of car seats for someone who may be in need of one.

In November 2009, 6-year-old Ellory Ash and her Daisy Scout Troop toured the Hoffman Estates Police Department to earn their police visit patches. During the visit, Officer Deborah Whited talked to the Daisies about the importance of car seats, and how all children need to ride in their car seats so they can be safe. Officer Whited also mentioned that there are some families in the village who may not be able to afford car seats.

Ellory and her brother Brock (11 years old) decided that they wanted to help by purchasing a car seat to donate to the police department for a child who needed one. The kids contemplated many ideas, finally settling on making little marshmallow snowmen on a pretzel stick, with hats and scarves made of Fruit Roll-Ups. They put them each in a clear plastic cup with some M&M's at the bottom and wrapped them in cellophane. Even their 4-year-old brother Bennett helped.

Brock and Ellory started by making 24 snowmen to sell to their friends at Thomas Jefferson School in Hoffman Estates for $1 each. Orders came in right away, and, before long, all 24 were sold. But the orders kept coming -- a teacher even ordered 23 for her class. When all was said and done, Brock and Ellory raised over $60. Babies "R" Us, impressed with the fundraising spirit, gave the Ash's an additional 20% off the purchase price, and they were able to get two car seats to donate to needy families in the village.

The Ash children were really excited to be able to help other children in the community stay safe in their car. Please join the village in thanking these young citizens for their generous contribution.

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