18 JANUARY 2024 By Mallory Gleich Cassel and Scarlett Layton and Avery and Warner Morrison started off their holiday season by helping others – in more ways than one. The four Arcadia tweens hosted a garage sale and invited neighbors and friends to donate their unused items, with the proceeds going to Arizona Humane Society and Goodwill. Inspiration for the fundraiser started with Cassel. To earn his black belt in Tae Kwon Do, he was required to do a community service project. While brainstorming ideas, the idea of holding a charity garage sale came up. “We had too much going on and not enough time to complete it before the deadline for his black belt advancement, so we decided on a family volunteer day at Feed My Starving Children instead,” Mom, Stefanie, said. “We really enjoy volunteering there and it is such a great cause. The garage sale was still at the top of our minds, though.” After spending time at Feed My Starving Children, the kids decided to go forward with the garage sale idea, picking a day in December where the Layton and Morrison families could both get together and combine their sale items. “Scarlett has always loved animals. When I asked what kind of charity she wanted to donate to and started throwing out ideas, like organizations that support kids, or education etc., she immediately gravitated toward an animal shelter,” Stefanie said. “Her Girl Scout Troop is also doing a community service project supporting homeless animals, so I suggested the Humane Society and Scarlett was all in.” The garage sale had lots of golf equipment, bags, clubs, shoes, buckets of balls, travel bags, roller blades, a kids picnic table, camping chairs, lots of toys and home decor. There were a number of different neighbors who donated items. “We really loved the participation from so many people. One young boy brought his toy workbench over in his wagon to donate,” Stefanie said. “He really wanted to contribute. It was so kind. The kindness and sharing is the best part!” After the garage sale was complete, the kids sat down and counted out their sales, with $100 donated to the Arizona Humane Society. “We didn’t raise as much as they had hoped – they have high expectations, but they were proud of the work and I explained that every little bit counts. If we contribute some and others do the same it will all add up,” Stefanie said. She added that the kids are planning more community service acts for the future, but are considering a different strategy to attract more customers next time around. “Even so, it was also an absolutely beautiful day to spend the morning outside with friends doing something good for the community,” she said. This holiday fundraiser deserves a round of a-paws! Cassel Layton, Warner Morrison, Scarlett Layton and Avery Morrison. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEFANIE LAYTON 602.399.8540 debbiefrazelle.com dfrazelle@cox.net PAST ARCADIA PTO VP PAST H AST H AST OPI PTA PRESIDENT ARCADIA RESIDENT FOR OVER 30 YEARS Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents Debbie Frazelle | CLHMS | ABR If you or a friend are looking to buy or sell a home, please give me a call! For any listing or accepted contract in January, a donation will be made in your name to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, a philanthropy near and dear to my heart. Wishing you all the best in the new year! Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available Learn to be a Servant Leader at CLS! 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8

JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 4, 2024 THE OLD WEST. C O M E S E E I T. Y O U ’ V E H E A R D A B O U T During Scottsdale Western Week, Old Town transforms into an authentic old west experience and a fun ride for the entire family. All are welcome to experience what can only be described as one “heck of a good time” – parades, the Hashknife Pony Express, Native American festivals, gold mining, live music, and museum exhibits all week long. Come say howdy! OLDTOWNSCOTTSDALEAZ.COM