Montgomery County Girl Raises Money For Victims Of Abuse
By Nicole Brewer
STATE COLLEGE (CBS) - From learning Hebrew to reciting the Torah, 12-year-old Kelsey Hirsch may seem ready for her Bat Mitzvah, but she's got a few more bracelets to sell.
After learning about the Penn State scandal, she chose child abuse awareness as her service project, raising over $10,000 for "Rainn."
"Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. They educate the public, and they help lobby new laws. They also help victims," explained Hirsch.
With the help of her dad, Kelsey created "Bands4Rainn," bracelets that require a $3 donation – money she hopes will bring hope, courage and strength back to Happy Valley.
"She wanted to make sure that not just the children in this case got help, but that other children wouldn't be subject to this in the future," said Charles Hirsch.
Kelsey will have to sell 5,000 bracelets to reach her goal of $15,000, but she's not in it alone. She's inspired the entire Penn State community to band together to stop child abuse.
From selling bracelets at games to raising money online, Kelsey made a name for herself and soon, mural artist Michael Pilato will put a face to it. Come September, Kelsey will be added to the Inspiration mural, which once featured convicted child predator Jerry Sandusky.
"When I met her, I just felt her heart and soul. Just such a sweet, caring person and so excited to help victims and survivors of sexual abuse," said Pilato.
Through his art, Pilato hopes to promote healing.
"The Penn State community will get through this and be stronger for it."
All because of people like Kelsey.
You can help Kelsey raise money for childhood abuse awareness by visiting the following links:
http://rainnmakers.rainn.org/bands4rainn
http://www.facebook.com/Bands4Rainn
http://www.twitter.com/bands4rainn
