Wis. Rapids teen makes kits to comfort kids after fires

Neighbors and Friends is a weekly series meant to highlight everyone from neighbors to community leaders. Readers can nominate friends, neighbors and co-workers by sending the information to deb.cleworth@cwnews.net or calling 715-423-7200, ext. 6730.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — By her own admission, Haley Steinkamp is shy until she gets to know someone.

That shyness hasn't stopped the 15-year-old Lincoln High School sophomore from embarking on a project to help young children in central Wisconsin. In fact, she becomes quite animated when discussing her idea.

Haley, one of the twin daughters of Tina and Jeff Steinkamp, has volunteered in the past but wanted to do more. So she joined her school's Family, Career and Community Leaders of America club, commonly referred to as FCCLA.

The club has enabled her do what she likes best — helping others.

With the help of her mom, Haley started a "Comfort Packs for Kids" page through the GoFundMe online fundraising site. She wants to raise $2,500 to create kits for children who go through tragic events, such as a house fire.

Some of Haley's friends have been the victims of house fires, and her mom's best friend in kindergarten died in a house fire.

"They're so many little kids that don't have anything after that," Haley said. "They're scared; they don't have anything, except for what they have with them or in their car or something.

"So we're making a bag so that they have something that's theirs, they can call their own, and it will comfort them when they're going through a hard time, and that they can say it's just theirs."

Each kit will contain a handmade fleece blanket, fuzzy socks, dental items, and a comb and hairbrush. Haley's twin, Courtney, along with two friends and fellow Lincoln High sophomores, Kelsey Rybicki and Ashley Olson, are helping her with the project.

The kit also will include a $25 gift card to buy essential personal items. Everything will be stored in a backpack, geared to either a boy or girl. The contents are appropriate for all ages.

The goal is to have 10 backpacks on five firetrucks in the area — five for girls, five for boys.

"Then they can give (the packs) out to (kids) right on the spot," Haley said. "If you were at the doctor's, and you're a little kid and you get a shot, they'll give you a little Teddy bear.

"It's a comforting thing for them."

So far, the GoFundMe site has raised $225 in donations; Haley will need to collect $2,500 to meet her goal of creating 50 backpacks. Haley has gotten the word out on Facebook and applied for a "What If" grant through the Incourage Community Foundation in Wisconsin Rapids. She's also written letters to local civic organizations, hoping to get broader support.

Her face lights up as she talks about the project and about hearing from organizations such as the Wilderness Sportsmen's Club in Vesper who have offered their support.

"It was really exciting, actually," Haley said.

Deb Cleworth can be reached at 715-423-7200, ext. 6730 or deb.cleworth@cwnews.net. Follow her on Twitter @DebCleworth.

Haley Steinkamp

About her: Haley, 15, is a sophomore at Lincoln High School. Haley has a twin, Courtney (who is older), and three other siblings, Rebecca, 13, Matthew, 9, and Miranda, 7. Haley's parents are Jeff and Lisa.

Hobby: Haley enjoys karate

Favorite food: It depends on the moment, but pizza usually makes the top of the list. Her least favorite? Chili.

Music: When it comes to music, Haley's interests are eclectic and often lean toward "whatever comes on."

What she's afraid of: "Probably not being good enough for people; I'm harder on myself."

Favorite classes in school: Science or art.

On her bucket list: "Probably help as many people as I can."

Find out more

•Go to www.gofundme.com/j2shik to make a donation or find out more.

•Email Haley at comfortpacks50@gmail.com to inquire about making a monetary or physical donation, or to help with the project in some other way.