LYNN — Four-year-old Stella Fogarty was considering using her own money to buy a doll this year for Christmas. Instead, she decided to perform an act of charity to help two children in need.
Stella decided to use her savings ⎯ of $20 in total — to buy two new Barbie dolls to donate to children in need through The Salvation Army.
During a visit to the Salem Five Bank in Danvers on Nov. 30, she asked her mother about a Salvation Army box sitting in the corner of the room. Her mother explained to her that the box was for toy donations, and that some children do not get toys for Christmas.
Stella then asked the bank teller to withdraw her $20 in savings, saying she needed to help these children. At first, she wanted to buy one big doll to donate, but realized she could help two children by buying two smaller Barbie dolls. Additionally, she donated up to 30 of her own toys to The Salvation Army.
Joe Bartolotta, chief marketing officer of Salem Five, said he was moved by Stella’s actions, and was impressed that someone her age could be charitable towards others.
“She asked about how she could help,” Bartolotta said. “She just took what she had and decided to do a good deed.”
Stella’s parents, Mike Fogarty and Carolyn Cole, said they try to teach their daughter to be thoughtful towards others every day. During birthdays and Christmas, Stella’s parents remind her that she has many toys and games that other children are not fortunate enough to have, and she should be considerate about others.
“We look at all the toys that she has and we talk about how we can help others. When we see toys in the store, we see it as a teaching moment for her to think about those in need,” said Fogarty.
Cole said that she has worked in community service for most of her life, and that she wants to instill the lessons she learned onto her daughter. She said that Stella was excited to use her own money to buy the dolls because it was a chance to be independent.
“This was a very hands-on moment for her,” said Cole. “She has always been very caring and receptive towards others. We taught her early on gratefulness and charity.”
Cole said that Stella has dedicated a lot of her time volunteering in Lynn over her few short years. She loves attending community events and handing out candy, crafts, goody bags and masks.
Both parents are proud of their daughter for donating to those in need. When asked about her good deed, Stella replied, “Because it’s very kind. It’s Christmas time, and everybody should donate.
Additionally, Stella said she wants to be an elf when she grows up.
