news-record.com

A friendship among four Claxton Elementary fourth-graders has grown to include more than games and giggles.

Once per month, the girls take their friendship out into the community to lend a helping hand to organizations and individuals in need.

“We’ve learned that when we help people, it makes a big difference,” Coleson Lindley said.

More than a year ago, Coleson, 9, teamed with friends Katherine Wyrick , Katharine Chapin and Devyn Reilly to form Helping Hands Girls.

“Even little kids like us can help people,” Devyn said.

The girls became friends in second grade. From the classroom, to the playground, Girl Scouts and now their own group, they love spending time together.

“It’s cool that we can laugh and have fun and still help people,” Devyn said.

The girls take turns choosing the organizations they help.

“I love animals, so I chose the animal shelter,” Katharine said. “We all get to choose something we love.”

In the last year, the girls have raised funds and materials for the Guilford County Animal Shelter, the American Red Cross, Brenner Children’s Hospital, Well Spring Senior Center and others.

“For the moms, it’s been refreshing to see the girls give back,” Ann Chapin said.

Their willingness to compromise, do teamwork and share their thoughts and ideas with the community has been rewarding.”

The girls’ work in the community has not only been rewarding to their families, but to them directly.

“Helping others makes me happy, too,” Katherine said.

In January, the girls visited a local fire station to drop off treats and thank you cards to firefighters.

They are looking to do more good in the community as the year progresses.

“We’re going to make blankets and give them to the ladies with babies in the NICU,” Katherine said.

“At my church, there’s a program called The Tree House that helps people who don’t speak English; we’re going to read to them,” Coleson said.

The girls hope to inspire others to do similar work.

“They can do it, too,” Coleson said.

Anyone looking to help or donate can contact them at ncchapins@triad.rr.com.

Contact Tiffany S. Jones at  373- 7157 or tiffany.jones@news-record.com