Dist. 303 seventh-grader selling homemade ornaments to help those in need

ST. CHARLES – Thompson Middle School seventh-grade student Reese Thomas knows many families are struggling these days because of the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To help those in need, Reese is making Christmas ornaments and selling them. She has made about $300 to date, so she is about halfway to her goal of $600. All proceeds will go to TriCity Family Services' adopt-a-family program, which provide gifts, food and holiday cheer to client families in need.

The ornaments sell for one for $5 or three for $12. Those who would like to purchase the ornaments can contact her through Instagram at spread.love.ornaments.

"My friend and I, we were just talking one night and we realized it's been a hard year for a lot of people and we just really wanted to do something nice," Reese said. "My family usually adopts a family every year to give Christmas presents to and we thought it would be kind of fun if we could find a way to raise money so we could adopt a family of our own."

She has had fun making the ornaments. To put herself in the Christmas spirit, she will put on Christmas music while she is making the ornaments.

"It's really fun, especially when I know I'm doing it for a good cause," Reese said. "I want to spread some love and happiness."

While her friend was supposed to help her make the ornaments, she has not been able to after contracting COVID-19.

"I've kind of had to take over, but as soon as she's healthy again and ready to go, she's going to help me," Reese said.

The experience has also given her insight into the world of business. Reese developed a spreadsheet to manage her expenses and profits.

"It's so much easier to keep track of everything," she said.

The family has been participating in TriCity Family Services' adopt-a-family program for the past several years.

"I just wanted to make a difference for a whole family that maybe isn't as fortunate we we are," said Reese's mom, Katie Thomas.

She is proud of her daughter's efforts.

"I'm proud of her thinking of others during a time like this," Thomas said. "I'm also proud of everything she's learned. It's almost like running a little business. There's been a lot of good learning. I'm super proud of her. She's a go-getter."