PATTEN, Maine — When Marty Arbo was looking for funding for the Main Street Flag Fund for Patten, the help came in a small package.
Emily Nason, 10, daughter of Valorie and Adam Nason of Crystal, raised $111 for the Main Street Flag cause. Through the proceeds from a yard sale, Nason promoted awareness for the annual cookout in hopes that others would follow her lead and donate to the fund.
A year before, Nason’s mother explained Wreaths Across America’s campaign and the fact, hometown people were in need of gas money to deliver the wreaths. She raised $200 from holding a yard sale, collecting bottles on walks, bike rides and the annual horseshoe tournament held in Crystal.
Through Nason’s efforts, along with help collecting bottles from her schoolmates, Scott and Lorna Harris held an assembly to explain Wreaths Across America to all of Katahdin Elementary students. The Harris family joined the efforts of the campaign after their son, Dustin, was killed in action in Iraq.
Nason held her first yard sale when she was 3 years old.
“She raised money for summer vacation,” said her mother Valorie.
Three years ago, Nason decided to donate her money to the Patten Fire Department. She contributed $100. She is a fourth-grader at Katahdin Elementary School.
“She is an active member of our Civil Rights team and positively contributes to our school environment on a daily basis,” said Principal Chris Cunningham.
Though Nason’s efforts touch others, she also is rewarded.
“It gives me a good feeling,” she said.
“She is one of the most giving people I know,” her mother added.
Nason heard a boy at school say he couldn’t afford a notebook, so she took him one the next day. She buys for kids at the Book Fair, if they have no money that day, and doesn’t worry about what she ends up getting.
“I hope her crusade continues through her life and she becomes a big difference for people who are in need,” said her mother.
