Determined Young Girl Launches Fundraiser So Her Friend Can Play Alongside Everyone Else

A young girl starts fundraising for her friend once she realizes she needs a little bit of help to play. 7-year-old Aspen’s best friend, Juniper, uses a wheelchair and can’t swing on the monkey bars with her. When Aspen realized her school playground didn’t have any accessible equipment that Juni could play on, she started decorating popsicle sticks to sell.

Young Girl Starts Fundraising for Her Friend So They Can Play Together

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Aspen and Juni have been best friends ever since they were paired in music class together when they were both 6. Both of their moms were excited that they had each made a friend. 

"Even though she looks different, she has the same needs and wants as any other kid," said Juniper’s mom, Hailey.

Their school is one of the only two in the state to have National Banner Unified Champion School status, where children with special needs attend some classes with other students rather than staying in a single classroom with other special-needs kids. But when it’s time for recess, some kids can’t play. 

These children shouldn’t have to watch from the sidelines while their peers have fun without them.  

They Have a Long Way to Go Until They Get Their Playground

So far, Aspen has raised $38.05 for a playground from her popsicle stick sales. The Parent Teacher Club at their school in Salem, Oregon, is also raising funds. The cost will be between $300,000 and $400,000. The community has already raised $25,000 before the fundraiser started, and over $10,000 through GoFundMe. 

When Aspen delivered her popsicle-stick money to Juniper’s mom, she also gave her a handwritten note, hoping that Juniper could play on the playground with her soon. 

“That’s all Aspen wants. She just wants to play on the playground with her best friend, and that’s  a huge ask right now,” Aspen’s mom said. 

Kindness Can Make a Change

The PTA hopes to have the playground fully funded by April of 2027.

Little Aspen hopes her story inspires others to be kind.

It’s wonderful that Juniper and Aspen have an amazing friendship like this. Aspen wants Junie to feel included, and Junie just wants to play. Hopefully, they can raise enough money to make this dream come true.

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h/t: KGW News

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/KGW News

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.