Fighting the virus with generosity

Port Washington sisters Drue and Violet Nelson learned an important life lesson this summer — how to give of themselves to help others.

The girls had to do a community project in order to get their black belt in taekwondo from Girtons ATA in Fox Point. 

Realizing that the coronavirus pandemic has affected many people in the community, they decided to do something about it.

Their mother Nicole suggested raising money for United Way of Northern Ozaukee, which has a Covid-19 relief fund, and the girls embraced the idea.

They sold rubber bracelets with the phrase “We’re all in this together” on the front and “Covid Relief Fund” on the reverse in their neighborhood, going door to door initially and later setting up a booth at the end of their Noridge Trail driveway.

Over the course of the summer, they raised $900, which they walked across the neighborhood to give to Barbara Bates-Nelson, executive director of United Way of Northern Ozaukee, for the agency’s Covid-19 relief fund.

“I was so surprised,” Bates Nelson said. “I didn’t know it was happening.”

Drue, 12, and Violet, 10, said they’ve learned the satisfaction that comes from giving to others.

“I like how it’s helping people,” Drue said. “That makes me feel good.”

“It’s helping people keep their houses and afford the stuff they need,” Violet said. “I like that.”

The girls got the idea to sell bracelets from a campaign at their father Scott’s business. Employees there had bracelets made to show support for a co-worker who has cancer.

They ordered 300 bracelets in a variety of sizes, selling them first for $3 each and later for $5 each.

They got a good response, the girls said.

“There were a lot of people who donated money, too,” Drue said, including one person who gave them $50.
While selling the bracelets, they did a few good deeds, helping a couple neighbors whose pets got out of the house and had to be tracked down.

And they learned about United Way and the role it plays in the community.

“At first, we didn’t know what it was,” Drue said. “People asked us, so we had to find out.”

At the stand they set up, the girls also sold Girl Scout cookies they had at home and lemonade to supplement the bracelet sales.

Harbor City Plumbing matched the funds the girls raised, their mother said.

In addition to the bracelet sales, the girls were also inspired to volunteer their time. They helped out at the school supply fair, donating supplies and helping at the event.

Bates Nelson said she’s asked the girls to be directors on the Youth for United Way group she’s starting.

“It’s refreshing to see kids who want to give back and are aware there are people who aren’t as fortunate as them,” she said. “It’s important to cultivate giving in the young so when they get older they continue that.”

In addition to the good feeling they got from helping others, the girls got a tangible reward as well — black belts awarded just last week.

There are still a few bracelets left for $5. Anyone who wants to buy one may contact Nicole Nelson at (262) 853-9083.