After seeing firsthand how The Children’s TherAplay Foundation works when a family member received services there, Hannah Sevening yearned to do something to give back. TherAplay, 9919 Towne Rd. in Carmel, provides physical and occupational therapy to children with special needs.
“My cousin, he has special needs, and he went there when he was younger. It did really help him,” the 10-year-old Carmel resident said. “I like to donate to charity, and I like helping give back to the community. I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up.”
Sevening raised $1,336 in three weeks, and she turned that money into 175 goodie bags for the kids, therapists and horses at TherAplay. Some of the items she donated included kazoos, markers, tissues, construction paper and more. For the horses, Sevening purchased items such as sponges and fly spray. The bags were delivered Dec. 6.
This isn’t the first time Sevening gave to something bigger than herself. Last year, she made coloring books, cards and purchased toys for children at Riley Hospital. She’s not exactly sure what charity she’ll donate to next year.
Hannah’s mother, Amy, said it’s special that her daughter puts so much focus into helping other kids.
“It’s a wonderful thing as a parent to see our daughter wanting to do things for other kids,” Amy said.
The Sevenings attend St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church and School in Westfield, which is where Amy said her daughter originally developed her heart to give back.
“When she’s a little older, she can join their youth group ministry, and she’s looking forward to that in middle school,” Amy said of Hannah’s participation in the church.
For more, visit childrenstheraplay.org.
