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Teen collects money, toys for attack victims and abused children Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Brittney Badger, 17, is surrounded by some of the stuffed animals she's collected for children in need. She's also raised $600 for the victims of terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. By MEG LANDERS Surrounded by hundreds of stuffed animals she's collected for children in need, 17-year-old Brittney Badger says she wants to prove teenagers can make a difference in this world. "I want to show adults that us teenagers care," she says. The North Medford High School junior has devoted her spare time for more than a month toward collecting money for victims of the Sept. 11 tragedy as well as stuffed animals for poor or abused children. She held a fund-raiser in her yard that was broadcast live on a local radio station. She gave a presentation at an all-school assembly. And she placed four collection jugs around her school campus. Her efforts have paid off. Britt-ney has collected more than $600 and 400 stuffed animals. She had hoped to send the stuffed animals to children who lost one or both parents in the terrorist attacks. But after learning that shipping hundreds of stuffed animals to New York would be complex and expensive, Brittney began researching local organizations that help children in need. "There's situations in Medford where kids could use stuffed animals, too," she says. The money that's been raised, she says, will be donated to the American Red Cross for the New York disaster relief fund. Terry Haines, emergency services director for the local Red Cross chapter, says Brittney is one of many Rogue Valley students gathering donations for Sept. 11 victims. Both Scenic and Eagle Point middle schools, for example, have donated about $300 each, he says. There's a strict system in place to make sure the funds go where donors want them to, he adds. "If they're raising the money to go to New York, then we code it to go to New York," he says. The funds are then dispensed based on needs. And New York is where Brittney sees need. "I'm really proud of her for undertaking this effort," says Ralph Burrelle, guidance and activities director at North Medford, who's been overseeing Brittney's project. "She's approached this project with a lot of heart and spirit." Brittney says she's surprised by the amount of generosity she's seen. "I basically thought it wouldn't turn out this big. I'm happy that people are coming together and trying to make a difference," she says. Brittney has a message for those affected by the disaster. "Know that we're here with you. We may not be there, but know in your heart that we are," says Brittney. "We actually do care." Meg Landers is a free-lance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.