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Delivered 12-2! "Charlotte"!

Updated: Dec 29, 2022


"I wish this day would never end! It made me smile and they made me laugh, and be happy!" ~ Charlotte


"She is amazed and talks about the fashions, accessories, letters, videos given to her and the whole day yesterday! And the ponies were so special ... this is making a huge difference for her as she just a week ago refused to go to school. She even talks about having a letter with her in her backpack at school."

~ Charlotte's Mom, Arica


Thank you to all 1,300+ Ambassadors who sent letters, videos and gifts of support to let this 7-year-old, targeted by bullies for her disabilities, know that she is FRIEND STRONG! As a national organization (and growing internationally), it is so rare that we get to be part of the surprise delivery in person! Thank you to Topfield Center for hosting the event on 12-2-22 with us at their equestrian facility for this little girl who loves horses!


 

~Charlotte's Story ~

2nd Grader (7) with disabilities, who loves to give everyone compliments, refuses to go to school because "they don't want me there."

Charlotte/ Sept.-October 2022 Recipient

Charlotte is "social, kind and loves everyone" according to her mom. She loves horses and dogs, especially her own dog, Bailey. The New York City girl loves active play like tag and is even an Irish Step Dancer! Charlotte is a big fan of fashion and accessories, giving lots of compliments daily, even to total strangers. She loves to make everyone feel special. The new 2nd Grader is naturally a "happy ball of energy" who loves to talk to everyone and help younger kids on the playground if they need it on play equipment. Teachers and adults who know her have told her mother Charlotte is one of the kindest people they know.


Most of all, this sweet girl loves making friends. As her mom told us, "It is not an option for Charlotte not to have any friends." Friends are everything to her. However, she just lost her most special best friend who she enjoyed trading "love notes of friendship" with, because the family did not appreciate Charlotte's differences.


As early as 4 years old, Charlotte became isolated by peers who excluded her when she couldn't keep up with their speech, because of her speech delay, and would tell her "you can't play." Learning and developmental delays of just 6-8 months made the gregarious girl a target of bullying & exclusion that continued through the end of 1st Grade. Students made fun of her, shouting "look at how she eats" and "look how she runs!"


Charlotte began getting stomach aches and refusing to go to school, a drastic change for this girl who loved school and her teachers. On "Family Share Day," her mom saw for herself the heartbreak her daughter endured. Charlotte was really nervous about attending but still got all dressed up and even brought a beautiful accessory fan. Her mom watched as classmates ran up to their friend groups, but no one ran to Charlotte who stood alone with her head down. Her mom watched a couple of kids walk up to Charlotte with mean faces, teasing her about the fan. Her mom asked Charlotte if there was anyone she would like to say "hello" to, but her normally social, enthusiastic girl held her head down and sadly shook her head “no."


All summer, Charlotte expressed, "I'm nervous about 2nd Grade” because of the bullies and hopes she will make a friend. She also asks if she can bring her "best buddy" with her to school for support, her dog, Bailey.


"They just give me mean faces. They don't want me there."


A YOUTUBE INTRODUCTION OF Charlotte by our On-Air Super Teen Ambassador, Brielle Withers, is a good choice for young students to learn her story:


AMBASSADORS, WE HAVE THE HONOR OF HELPING TO STRENGTHEN CHARLOTTE'S LOVING, FRIENDLY, CONFIDENT AND GREGARIOUS NATURE! THIS IS WHAT YOU DO! BE A FRIEND TO CHARLOTTE AND REMIND HER HOW BEAUTIFUL, FUN, AMAZING AND KIND SHE IS! SHOW HER THERE ARE MORE KIND KIDS THAN MEAN KIDS IN THE WORLD.

"CHANGE ONE LIFE AND YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. IT'S IN YOUR HANDS!"


Charlotte has graduated from Special Ed reading in 1st Grade to Inclusion in 2nd Grade. She also loved exchanging "love notes" with her former best friend. Her mom says she will be thrilled to get your empathetic words and art of friendship and caring in letters, cards, video and crafts!! Just keep in mind, she is a young 2nd Grader and "short but sweet" is best.


THE DUE DATE FOR CHARLOTTE'S "FRIEND MAIL" IS OCTOBER 27TH!

Friend Mail must arrive in our NY office for review by the Due Date to be included in her main surprise delivery.


Mail "PHYSICAL" letters to:

Be A Friend Project

P.O. Box 30

Beacon, NY 12508


Email letters, videos, scans & Google Drive links, send to:

jennifer@beafriendproject.org

-OR-


Charlotte Sept 2022
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