For my leadership project, I held a craft sale. At first, I was overwhelmed at the idea of the leadership project. My mother was a big part of the project. She helped me come up with an idea and plan everything. In addition to the craft sale I mailed Christmas gifts to two soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

     My mother came across an email from a mother of a soldier in Afghanistan. Later in school my science class made Christmas cards for a Lieutenant in Iraq. I was inspired by these ideas decided to follow them. I got the address of the Lieutenant from my teacher and the address of the private from the email. I set up a box in the lobby requesting donations for the soldiers. The response was tremendous. I ended up sending three USPS boxes in total.

     My main project was the craft sale. On a Saturday, when everyone was there to help decorate the float, I set up a table full of crafts supplies. We made cards, ornaments and all kinds of crafts to sell. In addition to those things, I received generous craft donations from Mrs. Fernandez, Mrs. Lewitt, Mrs. Hollins, Mrs. Wofe, and my mother’s friend Mrs. Tammy Jones.

     Now that I had everything to sell, I visited Trader Joe’s and Staples for permission to set up a table outside of their stores. Staples management permitted me but Trader Joe’s had a policy not to allow it. I set up a table just to the right of Staples on Kildaire Farm Rd on Saturday, December 15,2007. Mrs. Lewitt dropped by to donate more items to sell. Ramya and Rahul Pandigunta were at the table assisting me as well as my brother.

     We raised almost $40 from my first sale. Later on I set up a table outside of the Taekwondo Academy on three different days. Calindra Page helped me most of the time and was a great source of support. I would like to especially acknowledge my brother, Saaketh’s assistance throughout my project. Another major source of support and help were my parents and my grandmother. The total amount of money I raised was $165.35.

    Reflecting on this project, I think that there were a lot of things that I could have done better. My sales pitch definitely needed to be worked on. Throughout this project I learned that it’s not easy to be a leader. It takes a lot of responsibility and willpower. Support from my family and friends kept my motivation strong. Encouragement from Mr. and Mrs. Johnson also helped me get through the project. If I had more time, I would have liked to explore other ideas. The money will be donated to the Ronald McDonald Charity Houses. The houses are for families of children coming to this area for medical treatment and who need a place to stay. The project was a big responsibility but I think that it was a fun experience overall.

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