Hamburg Kids Did Something Amazing For Sophia The Fierce

There are two things I always stress to my children as a guide through life: work hard and give back whenever and wherever you can. This week, we got to see both of those values on full display from the students and staff at Charlotte Avenue Elementary School in Hamburg, NY.

Thanksgiving Season: A Time for Gratitude and Giving Back

Thanksgiving is here, and the holiday season has begun. It’s the time of year when many of us think about giving thanks and giving back. You can do that with a monetary donation, of course, but sometimes the most valuable thing you can give is your time—especially when it’s used to help a neighbor. After all, Buffalo and Western New York are known for being the City of Good Neighbors.

STEAM Day at Charlotte Avenue: Hard Work on Display

I was asked to help MC a fantastic event at Charlotte Avenue this week: their annual STEAM Day Celebration. It was a full day of hands-on activities that kicked off with a school-wide assembly. This year, each class had the chance to showcase their STEAM skills...Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, by designing their own football.

The challenge was simple: design a football that could be thrown the farthest. The Hamburg Bulldogs’ quarterback, Sam Watkins, stepped in as the celebrity quarterback to throw each class’s creation. The energy in the gym was electric as ball after ball soared across the room and kids cheered wildly for their class.

A Bigger Purpose: Supporting “Sophia the Fierce”

But as impressive as the engineering and creativity were, there was an even bigger purpose behind STEAM Day.

Leading up to the event, students and families at Charlotte Avenue were encouraged to donate LEGO sets or cash to support an incredible local organization: Sophia the Fierce. The foundation was created in honor and memory of a young girl who bravely battled cancer. Although her life was cut far too short, her compassion and desire to help other children continue to inspire people across Western New York. During the event, her legacy was felt in a powerful way.

More Than 150 LEGO Sets and $150 Raised

Not only did students raise more than $150 in donations, they also collected over 150 individual LEGO sets. All of these will be donated in Sophia’s memory to her foundation and to the children at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.

A Community Reminder of Love and Generosity

I’ll admit, I was emotional listening to Nick, the representative for Sophia the Fierce, share her story and mission. It was another reminder of the strength and goodness that exists in our schools and across Western New York. What happened at Charlotte Avenue wasn’t just a fun school challenge; it was a real example of how working together and giving back can inspire kids and support charities making a difference.

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Working Hard + Giving Back = A Lesson for Life

The hard work the students, staff, and volunteers put into STEAM Day was impressive on its own, but pairing it with a meaningful community project made it even more powerful. It showed these kids firsthand what it means to lift others up.

A Thanksgiving Encouragement to Get Involved

This Thanksgiving, I encourage everyone to find a way to get involved, whether in your school district, workplace, local organization, or charity. I’m grateful to be the voice behind the microphone at events like this and to witness the power of love and generosity throughout Western New York.