It started as an effort to downsize her toy collection.
By the time Tessa Lou Francis finished, she had more than $350 to give away to a local charity.
Francis, daughter of Tim and Kelly Francis of Humboldt, celebrated the holidays with a gift to the Court Appointed Special Advocates.
The impetus, according to a CASA news release, was a suggestion by Tessa Lou’s parents to have her downsize her toy collection before Christmas and get rid of toys she had outgrown.
Tessa Lou decided to go one step further. She hoped to sell many of her toys and clothes to benefit youngsters less fortunate.
A garage sale was successful, but still the family wanted to do more, so Kelly began selling toys and items via Facebook and other social media outlets.
Tessa Lou also knew where she wanted her money to go.
Her grandparents, Joe and Mary Francis, are CASA volunteers who advocate on behalf of foster kids.
So in December, Tessa Lou took with her $354.44 in cash plus bags of candy to the CASA office.
The money was used to buy additional gifts for foster kids, CASA officials noted.
