One 11-year-old girl is seeking to serve others this Christmas and is determined to bring some festive cheer to those less fortunate than herself.
Sanya Pirani is a gifted seamstress and decided it was time to her put her skills to good use this Christmas season. Sanya learned how to create hand-crafted fabric bags with shoulder straps from the donated samples at local fabric stores.
“I’ve been doing charity work since I was 7 years old and I always wanted to learn how to sew,” said Pirani.
Now, with an army of young volunteers, Sanya’s incredible vision is coming to life.
“I think it is really special because these kids don’t have very much and I feel like it will make their world,” one young volunteer said.
“I think they’d feel pretty sad if they didn’t get anything cos’ Christmas is a holiday where you get some stuff and spend time with family,” another added.
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“As a 6th grader, imagine how inspiring it is to see someone who cares about others.” said Joe Vaughan, the head of the Scott-Carver-Dakota Community Action Partnership. “And she lives that example every day.”
The 500 hand-sewn bags were each filled with an array of donated presents, books and school supplies.
“Last year, we were able to give one bag to each family, this year we will be able to get a bag to every single kid,” Sanya said.
“I have an urge to help those people because we should all be treated equally,” she added. “If you feel you want to help people, don’t give up to yourself, because a lot of people are so happy even if you donate just a penny.”
Sanya has even set up her own nonprofit organization, Sanya’s Hope for Children. Its mission is to help impoverished children locally and around the world. There is no doubt that Sanya is far from a normal 11-year-old. “I think that every child is different in their own ways,” Pirani said in a TV interview. “I just use my time to help other people.”
“Sanya’s Hope for Children helps marginalized children with basic necessities like food, shelter, clothes, safety and education,” she added.
Last spring, this compassionate girl organized a collection of hundreds of cartons of disposable diapers to give away to needy mothers. She’s also used her charity to collect donations to fund area food shelves.
Then, a word of wisdom from Sanya: “Believe in yourself. No gift is too small or too big. Every penny counts, every second counts, anything you do really matters in the world.”
Speaking at Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church, Sanya explained some of the vision behind Sanya’s Hope For Children.
“When millions and millions of people are hungry right here in America and around the world, we suffocate human potential. Because a hungry mind cannot think. Community service gives birth to infinite possibilities, so it is very important we help other people in need.”
Sanya explained how her mother instilled in her some key life lessons as she grew up. “Be strong in your ethical principles. Never hold a dogmatic approach. Be part of a team, not an authority,” she said.
“I believe we generally underestimate the power of small acts of kindness.”
Then, Pirani shares the scripture that underpins all her work:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25: 35-40
Watch Sanya talk about her work below: