Big Heart for a Little Girl with a Mission

April 27, 2009

On Friday, April 3, 2009, a shooter walked into the American Civic Association and open fired- killing 13 victims taking an English class, before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life. It is obvious that everyone in Binghamton and even surrounding areas, along with other countries are mourning after the shooting that took place on that rainy Friday morning.

However, while some kids are not affected by this tragedy or some are more consumed with question on why, 10-year-old, Emily Miller of Cornell Ave in Binghamton was springing into action to put together a street-garage sale/fundraiser; the fundraiser to help the victim’s families.

Emily is just like any other 10-year-old girl. She attends school during the weekdays and church on the weekend. She likes to play with her friends and ride bikes as well. You see, Emily is not any different from anyone else who is her age, unless of course, you take the fact that she has a big heart for a little girl into consideration.

“I wanted to help the families. I am happy to do this, but I don’t want to be ‘proud.’ I am not doing this for me to be noticed,” Emily said.

And as much as everyone knows that, they still cannot help but throw her some words of their happiness. “This is a wonderful, self-less act that I cannot believe you have come up with,” said Debra Vincent of Binghamton.

Self-less is what made Emily be noticed, and not just by garage-salers and neighbors. Channel 12 WBNG TV stopped by on Friday April 17^th with their camera equipment and interviewed her for their 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. news that night. “They just stopped here and took some pictures and asked me some questions.” Emily said of the reporters.

“Remember we went to the funeral last week? This is for that,” A lady explained to her young daughter, speaking of Parveen Ali who was one of the victim’s on April 3 and whom she knew.

In the two days that Emily Miller and her family had set up their garage sale, Emily made $538.00 in just donations with help from a couple of people on the street with canisters as well. The money will be donated to the victim’s families this week which happens to be National Crime Victims Rights Week.