Little Sophia Crippin of Marion has big ideas. She may not recognize or understand just how big her ideas are, but like the parable of the tiny mustard seed, her idea is growing into something quite big.
Sophia’s aunt Jess Solimini of Marion has been on two mission trips to Haiti with Love in Motion, a nonprofit organization that has helped the Haitian people, and more specifically the Haitian children, as they continue to recover from catastrophic natural disasters.
Solimini’s trips were the topic of many family gatherings as well as subject matter discussed at their church, South Coast Community Church in Fairhaven.
And don’t little children hear everything.
Sophia recently told her mother she “just wanted to help” the children of Haiti, children she had seen in pictures and heard about from her aunt.
Mom K-Leigh Crippin wasn’t sure how to help Sophia put her good thoughts and desire into real action. But that is when they hit upon the notion of using her piggy bank. As Mom tells it, “People are always giving her coins for her piggy bank,” so why not take that change to make change – change that could impact so many children in that far-flung nation.
Sophia was delighted with the idea and, like a tiny mustard seed, a big idea has grown.
In the few weeks that Sophia has been collecting change, the total as of March 19 was $235. Her mother said that she had posted Sophia’s idea on her Facebook page and, with the aid of social media, the word spread coast-to-coast.
“We teach her that helping others is the right thing to do,” said the Crippin parents.
As for Sophia, she said, “I want them to have what I have,” adding, “I want to be kind.”
For more information on how you can help Sophia’s campaign “Change for Change,” visit South Coast Community Church’s Facebook page where you can view a short video of Sophia and her change jar or call Love in Motion at 603-532-8321. Donations via check may also be made to Love in Motion, P.O. Box 70, 257 Dublin Road, Jaffrey, NH 03542 and write ‘Sophia’s Change for Change’ in the memo line or visit http://loveinmotionhaiti.org/donatetoday/ to make an online donation.
By Marilou Newell
