13-Year-Old Girl Crochets Roses for Haiti Relief

After the earthquake in Haiti, 13-year-old Victoria Kemmits wanted to help survivors in any way she could. But what, if anything, could a little girl from Waseca, Minn. possibly do?

She thought of the perfect answer: Crochet roses and sell them at The Salvation Army thrift store in nearby Owatonna.

“I wanted to help raise money for Haiti and use my fiber-craft talents at the same time, so crocheting roses seemed perfect,” Kemmits said.

She’s been making two kinds of roses: “Regular roses, with just a blossom, stem and leaf; and pen covers, where the pen makes up the stem,” she said.

The roses are as beautiful as they are a bargain, with regular roses selling for $1 and pen covers selling for $3.

“Victoria is a young lady on a mission to serve and make a difference,” said Sara Pirkl, Owatonna thrift store manager. “I am very impressed with her.”

All proceeds from the sale of the roses fund The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in Haiti. To date, The Salvation Army has provided nearly 3 million meals, 500,000 gallons of water, 2,900 tents and much more.

When We Hear the Word "Disaster"

The earthquake in Haiti has left me speechless, but today a note came in from a donor that offered encouragement and a reminder that countless people depend on and trust in The Salvation Army. That trust is invaluable, and we do everything we can to live up to it by serving wherever needed. What a privilege we have to serve on the behalf of so many. Here is the note that encouraged me today:

"When we hear the word 'disaster,' we always know the Salvation Army will be there. We appreciate everything you do and pray for everyone involved in this wonderful organization and of course, we pray for the people of Haiti."