Young Philanthropist Makes Pawsitive Impact for Animal Welfare
Sophia, an exceptionally kindhearted and generous supporter of Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), has been making waves of impact in her young life. Her inspiring story, filled with empathy and dedication towards the welfare of animals, sets an extraordinary example.
"Sophia is an avid dog lover and dreams of becoming a Vet Surgeon in the future," her mother shares, affirming the deep-rooted passion for animals that drives her. While in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sophia and her mother discussed ways to give back to the community. With her soft spot for dogs, she decided to do something for pets, selecting CAP, a nonprofit animal shelter in the West Houston area, as the beneficiary.
Kicking off her campaign through creative methods of fundraising, Sophia sold homemade slime to neighbors and friends, as well as personally crafted drawings to family members, raising close to $200 for the organization. Then in 2022, she decided to fundraise for CAP again, this time raising $500 in donations along with donated supplies, food, and treats.
Sophia with a haul of donated pet supplies and food.Last year, Sophia took on a project making 'no-sew' blankets with other children in her neighborhood, which culminated in raising $485 and donating 24 warm blankets to the shelter. When she dropped off her donations, a CAP volunteer told Sophia that the dogs like to play with the sock and tennis ball toys, inspiring her next fundraising campaign for CAP: homemade toys and treats.
Using donated tennis balls, socks and fabric, she sewed durable toys, and with ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and even salmon for cats, she made mouthwatering pet treats, raising an impressive $1,150. Along with the homemade toys and treats, Sophia procured additional donations for CAP from her neighborhood and even secured a spot at the city's arts and crafts festival.
However, Sophia's love for animals isn't limited to fundraising. "Our family's last adoption from CAP was Lola," recalls her mother. Sophia has tried for a few years to get her grandmother to adopt a dog from CAP and recently, she finally took the plunge.
"When Lola came out to play fetch with us on our tour, we all fell in love with her and my mother decided to adopt Lola," said Sophia's mother.
Sophia with her mother (left), grandmother (right) and her grandmother's new fur baby, Lola.In addition to her remarkable involvement with CAP, this fifth-grade student from HISD is also an excellent academic performer and a member of the Honor's Society. When she's not engrossed in her fundraising projects, she invests her time in playing soccer, taking English horseback riding lessons, and playing the piano.
Sophia's compassion and support for CAP continues to grow, with her fundraising goal increasing year over year to $2,000 in 2024. She has been asked to return to the art show in April, where she plans to sell items once again for CAP. Her love for animals and profound desire to support them have already left a significant mark on many lives at CAP. As she aspires to become a veterinary surgeon, one thing is clear - her future holds boundless compassion and care for pets.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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