C-H student donates to Children’s Hospital
When she’s not in class or on the softball field or basketball court, 12-year-old Paige McAvoy can be found in her Canonsburg home, making jewelry.
The Chartiers-Houston student raised more than $1,100 by making bracelets and keychains and selling them to classmates, with proceeds to be donated to the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, a childhood cancer and blood disease center.
“It’s really spiraled out of control in a good way,” said McAvoy’s teacher, Nicole Whitfield. “Most sixth-graders have multiple bracelets on their wrists.”
In addition to organizing the bracelet sales, Paige was instrumental in the school’s penny wars and walkathon, which raised more than $4,600. All of the proceeds will be presented to a Children’s Hospital representative at the school June 2.
“We want to thank Paige for her support in giving back to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC,” said Brian Harman, director of corporate and community giving for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. “Paige’s generosity will help to ensure Children’s can continue to provide world-class pediatric care to our patients and their families.”
Paige’s mother, Kim McAvoy, said her daughter has always had a passion for helping others. Three years ago, Paige raised money for the activities department of the rehabilitation center where her grandfather was a patient.
“She’s been wanting to do something for kids, and this is what she and her friends came up with,” said McAvoy.
With the help of friends and family, Paige creates custom bracelets and keychains that she sells for $1 to $3.25.
“Pretty much whenever I can every night, I make bracelets,” said Paige. “I wanted to raise $300, and I did, so I just kept going.”
Paige is accepting orders until June 3, but she’s already looking ahead to her next project. She’s going to make and sell headbands and donate the money to children who are recovering from burns.
“She’s just always had that kind of personality, that she always wants to do for others,” McAvoy said. “I never dreamed it would take off like this.”