When Jackie Oelfke found her five-year-old granddaughter clearing out her piggy bank she was shocked. The smart youngster had been saving for months and now wanted to take it all.
But, when her granddaughter Sunshine explained the worthy cause, it brought tears to her eyes and she decided she must help. Now, just a few months after Sunshine’s project started, she has amassed an army of big-hearted helpers from all over the world.
In an emotional interview with TODAY Parenting, Jackie revealed why her sweet granndaughter wanted to clear out her savings.
“She said she was taking it to school for milk. I explained that I had already paid for her milk for the month, then she looked at me and said, ‘My friend’s mom doesn’t have milk money, and I do.'”
Jackie realized what a beautiful soul her granddaughter was when instead of wanting to spend her money on herself, she wanted to help her fellow classmates.
The proud grandmother helped Sunshine take the money to her classroom and hand it to her teacher. She then posted about Sunshine’s noble mission on her Facebook page.
Within hours, Jackie’s post had gone viral and she had amassed support from people all over the world who were touched by her wonderful mission and the cash started to flood in.
Sunshine’s kindergarten teacher, Rita Hausher, told TODAY Parents turning children away when they asked for milk was one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of her job. But, thanks to Sunshine’s smart selfless idea, that would be a thing of the past.
“I have always felt sad when I have had to tell a student, ‘no,’ when they ask if they can have milk. Thanks to Sunshine’s act of kindness for one student, it has grown so much that it now includes everyone, which makes my heart happy.”
To date, Sunshine’s GoFundMe page has raised nearly $19,000 which means her classmates need never have to go hungry and Sunshine can shine even brighter knowing her friends are taken care of.
I cannot believe that this little girl has achieved so much at just five years old! Please share Sunshine’s wonderful mission so more people can help the worthy cause.
