SARASOTA – 8-year-old Emma Watkins can be described as a young advocate for the homeless. Her mom Megan Hollie says what started as small project to help those living on the streets turned into something bigger.
“When Emma saw homeless people in Sarasota on the side of the road, and she said when I grow 20 up I want to take $20 and I want to get hot & ready pizzas,” said Hollie.
Hollie says instead of passing out pizzas she and Emma decided to hand out survival bags. Consisting of essential supplies needed when you’re living on the streets here in Florida.
“We put in our survival bags we put water, ponchos, a tarp so they can build a little hut, and other really cool other stuff,” said Emma.
Since this past December Emma, her mom, and her big sister Ashlynn McCoy have handed out the survival kits bags across the City of Sarasota to not just the homeless but anyone in need.
Ashlynn says seeing the gratitude on their face is enough for her to know their work is appreciated. “It’s amazing to see how their faces are because they’re very happy, they’re very thankful for what we’re doing,” said Ashlynn.
Hollie says the girls have set up shop in their garage as the current headquarters for Emma’s Smiles of Kindness Outreach where the three fill each bag. She says since their family project began she’s paid for most of the supplies out of pocket…but for her it’s all worth it.
“If I can show them what compassion and love looks like that has always been my hope,” she said.
And for Emma…
“When it’s spreading it makes more joy come to the homeless people and it makes me feel…amazing,” said Emma.
For more information and how to donate to Emma’s Smiles of Kindness Outreach Program you can visit her Facebook page. Hollie says she’s working on putting an Amazon wish list with other items they need for donations.
Hollie has now set up a PayPal account where those who want to donate funds can do so. To contact Emma’s Smiles of Kindness Outreach Program you can contact, (941) 301-8994.
