October 10, 2024
Austyn Grant, a sixth grader and part of J.E.J. Moore Middle School's Dolphins team, and her family are using their hands and creativity to make a difference in the lives of others who may be battling cancer.
Over the last few years, the Grants have created a variety of handmade crafts to raise money for the Bon Secours Southside Cancer Center in Petersburg. In the past, Austyn and her family created handcrafted birdhouses that would later be raffled off, with the proceeds benefiting the Tri-Cities medical facility. This year, the family traded the woodworking machinery for sewing stations and fabric swatches as they designed and raffled handmade tote bags and unique bracelets.
J.E.J. Moore Middle School sixth grader Austyn Grant uses her home sewing machine to create tote bags to be raffled off to raise money for the Bon Secours Southside Cancer Center. (Family Photo)
"I get a lot of help from my dad making these things because he's big into making things, so he helps me sew the tote bags sometimes, and he helped make the birdhouses when we did those before," Austyn shared.
The tote bags were raffled off earlier this month during Prince George County's weekly farmers’ market. Alongside the donations garnered by the raffle, local vendors also made monetary contributions to further support the Grants and a cause special to their hearts.
"Thanks to the community, we raised the most money we have ever raised," Austyn shared, noting they raised approximately $300 to benefit the Bon Secours Southside Cancer Center this year. "We also had one family donate a large amount of money, and another group sold bread to help raise money. Getting help from the vendors and other people at the farmers’ market was great because it let us raise more money for the cancer center and to help others."
For Austyn, this community project carries special meaning as they reflect on their loved ones who have been impacted by cancer.
"My grandmother had cancer, and some of my relatives do have cancer, so I know doing this makes a difference and is a good cause to help others who have cancer," Austyn closed. "It's just a great thing to do, to be able to give back to the community."
As for next year, the Grants are already planning what crafts or fundraising events they may participate in to continue supporting the local cancer center.