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Hampton girl makes essential packs for Sailors in need

Posted at 6:15 PM, May 05, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-06 14:58:20-04

HAMPTON, Va. - After the pandemic began, seven-year-old Abigail saw a post on Facebook about how Sailors aboard the USNS Laramie were confined to the ship at sea and couldn't go ashore to buy the basic necessities.

So, she went to work organizing essential packs for the crew with her own money and donations.

Through her many efforts, Abigail has managed to raise $700 - but she's not stopping there. Her goal is $5,000.

Her principal, Karla Young, showed up to give her a t-shirt with the school's name on it.

"We appreciate all her efforts toward her community, especially during this difficult time," Karla said.

One of the standards of the Girl Scouts is to make the world a better place. Abby takes that very seriously - not just because it's her duty, but because its who she is.

Her teacher, Pam Grojean, is so proud of her student.

"She's just very caring. Shes the type of kid that if somebody needs a pencil, she'll give all the pencils out and then she doesn't even have one. She just has a big heart and she wants to help all the time," Pam told us.

Related: People Taking Action: Local woman uses something small to take action in a big way!

That's why we showed up at Abby's Hampton home to surprise her with a News 3 People Taking Action award and a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner, Southern Bank. Her teacher and principal from Aberdeen Elementary School were there as well.

And she responded in true hero fashion.

"I think it's pretty cool to have this. I didn't know, but why should I have this?" Abby asked.

We told her it's because she's special and for all the hard work she's done.

But to her, it's not work at all - it's what you do when people need help.

And as far as making the world a better place, it already is Abby's in it.

To nominate someone for a People Taking Action Award, email us at takingaction@wtkr.com.

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