By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Kindness, Sydney O’Connell recently proved, can go a long way in making a difference in someone’s life.

Age doesn’t figure into the equation — all one needs is a big heart and a plan.

The 12-year-old, who lives in Bridgton and Newburyport, Mass., is described as “one of the most caring and kind children I know,” says Laura McCabe, who operates Community Help in Bridgton. “I have known Sydney for going on four years now. She always leaves me with joy in my heart from her kindness and willingness to always help others.” 

In October, Sydney helped put together Halloween Bags for kids at Bridge Crossings. 

“Understanding children need people in our community to help ensure they experience the same things as other children that don’t live in a group home, Sydney and her family and a friend collected items to add to the bags such as candy, small toys and Halloween-themed items,” McCabe said. “Each bag was packed carefully by Sydney to make sure each had the same amount of items, wanting to make sure each child felt special.”

A sixth grader, Sydney decided to do a clothing drive for a school project.  

“All on her own, she collected clothes for children living hours away from her (at Bridge Crossing in Bridgton). She made a plan on paper, worked everything out, got approval from her parents and teacher and the school she attends, and started the hard work to ensure the clothing drive would become a successful event for everyone involved,” McCabe said.

Sydney gave a PowerPoint presentation to most of the classrooms at her school. She explained why gloves, hats, jackets, boots, snow pants, sweatshirts, sweaters and other winter items could have a second life in a little town hours away. 

“I will have two boxes in the lobby until December 20. Please donate if you can. Thank you,” Sydney wrote.

As the collection boxes started to fill to the top, Sydney got to see and feel the joy firsthand how doing something so wonderful for others can really change the world. 

“The kindness of one young lady will fill hearts of children here in our wonderful community for months to come,” McCabe noted. “She collected lots of bags of clothing. Sydney loaded the bags into the car, and her parents drove them to Maine to hand the bags off to Mrs. Caroline at Bridge Crossings.”

Sydney sorted the donated items according to “season” thoughtfully knowing the group home as limited space. She focused on warm winter clothing first. Once warmer weather arrives, bags of spring and summer clothing will be delivered. 

“One person can change the world!” McCabe added. “Thank you, Sydney for being so thoughtful and putting your plan into action, and seeing it through. Keep shining on Sydney and thank you for dreaming big.”

At a young age, Sydney O’Connell is already mastering what Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”