Sandpoint youth launches 'Give Back Project'

Hannah Kowalski is a beautiful, kind and generous 10-year-old girl that walked into the Cottage Thrift Store (a division of Panhandle Special Needs, Inc.) recently with a large purple mason jar filled with dollars. The smile on her face lit up the whole room, as all the volunteers were filled with awe and wondered at just what was going on.

Hanna was accompanied by her mom, Alisha, who inspires her children by being a CASA volunteer. The mother-and-daughter pair told PSNI officials and volunteers that every year, Hannah and her brother choose a “give back project” and this money was the result of Hannah’s scheme.

She had baked hundreds of cupcakes and then posted them for sale on her Facebook page. Ultimately she sold them door-to-door to raise money for her favorite non-profit, Panhandle Special Needs.

It was because of her brother that Hannah was motivated to help people with developmental disabilities. He was diagnosed with Asberger’s Syndrome shortly after his birth and his parents were told he’d never be able to hold down a job or become independent.

Happily, her brother has surprised everyone with all his accomplishments: working at The Blueberry Farm, and keeping his own checking account and many other life changing skills. He never ceases to surprise his family by all he’s been able to achieve.

Hannah told PSNI officials thought that her project was a good idea because it would help to support programs that would help other persons, like her brother achieve, all they could with help from Panhandle Special Needs.

The Cottage and Panhandle Special Needs officials said they are inspired by — and grateful to — Hannah and her generous donation of a total of $127.

Thank you, Hannah and Alisha for all your hard work, and the delicious cupcakes.