2 minute read
Sammie's Buddy Bench Project
from September Indy
FEATURED Sammie's Buddy Bench Project
Sammie was 8 when she started Sammie's Buddy Bench Project after hearing about a buddy bench at summer camp. She herself had felt lonely and shy and had seen others with same problem so when she heard about the buddy bench she wanted them for her school to help others find friends so no one would feel lonely. She has always had a big heart for people. She went from very shy to now speaking to big crowds of people about how they can make a difference no matter their age. She has wrote speeches, sent videos to groups wanting buddy benches and sent many thoughtful letters all around the world. Her appearance on the Today Show brought even more awareness and many more people wanted to be involved in their own buddy bench journey or to help Sammie out. She chose having the benches made at Green Tree Plastics in Evansville, IN because they use recycled bottle caps to make the benches and they cost less and get the community involved. Sammie wanted to help kids not be lonely and make friends. The buddy bench also helps kids that are new to the school and prevent bullying. That it is made out of recycled plastic caps is beneficial to the environment and is also very little upkeep. So helping prevent loneliness and helping the planet all in one.
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Being kind to one another and having the community to come together to help out was a great result. She is now 11 and hasn’t slowed down on promoting kindness and telling others how they can do a buddy bench project. She has teamed up with Walgreens and was even in a UPS ad and has helped over 100 schools get buddy benches in the last year. Her viral videos have over 40 million views. During this time of being home and away from school and friends she has been busy connecting with others around the US and world encouraging them to make a difference if it be by recycling (collecting caps) or sending smiles(letters of encouragement). And wants others to know that they are amazing just the way you are.
“You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference, You can be a kid too.” Sammie
If you want to find out more about Sammie or connect with her:
www.sammiesbuddybenchproject.com
