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Audrey Crawford

The Crawford Family Photo
A conversation about values shared, values learned

by Charlotte Crawford
 

 
 

The direction a parent follows can lead their children to think beyond themselves and make an impact on others and their community.

My daughter, 11-year-old Audrey Crawford, is watching, listening and creating a life path that reflects what she’s learning at home—to live and love generously.

As the middle child, my husband and I tell Audrey that she holds a special spot in the Crawford family.

“You and dad always say I have the best placement ever in the family order since I am a big and little sister,” Audrey explained. “Since I know what it feels like to be the older and the younger sibling, I have a wider range of understanding for different kinds of people and personalities.”

“Dad and I focus a lot of time on you three, but we are also really involved in the community,” I added. “It’s important to give back.”

In addition to SEARCH, my husband and I sponsor children through World Vision and are active participants in National Charity League, our church, and our kids’ sports and school activities.

Now, in their own way, our kids, Audrey, Caroline (14) and Johnny (8), are taking action and giving back. This year, for her fifth grade research project, Audrey learned about SEARCH by taking a tour and reading the SEARCH website, www.searchhomeless.org. Then, she created a presentation to introduce her classmates to SEARCH’s mission and held a fundraiser by making lanyard key chains that provided a way for others to support SEARCH. When the project was complete, Audrey had raised $101, which she donated to SEARCH. Perhaps more importantly, she had successfully spread awareness of SEARCH and the spirit of giving to her peers.

Audrey is also taking a cue from her older sister. In the fourth grade, Caroline asked guests to bring crayons and toothpaste for the kids of SEARCH’s House of Tiny Treasures. Then for her 13th birthday party, she and her friends walked our neighborhood streets and raised $480 to create more than 50 toiletry kits for SEARCH clients.

“Caroline sacrificed getting the gifts, but the party was a blast,” Audrey said proudly. “Then there was another time when my mom’s sister’s NCL chapter planned a food drive. We had canned goods all over our living room. It was kind of cool to see it all pile up.”

High school graduation is years away, but Audrey envisions being an elementary school counselor as a career—perhaps a fitting choice for our “understanding” middle child.

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