November 4, 2010

Nine-year-old Madeline Queen, from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, is a recipient of the Barnum Award for her efforts to support a church nursery in her local community.

The award, announced by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, recognizes children ages six to 14 who are making a difference in their communities through their own inventive and pioneering actions.

Madeline is a third grader at Wheelersburg Elementary School and attends All Saints Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, Ohio. In her efforts to raise funds for the church nursery, "she recruited kids and adults in the congregation to make items for a bake sale," according to a press release. "She made signs, price tags and donation cups. She called people the week before to remind them.

"Through the bake sale, Madeline raised nearly $500 to buy new toys and books for the nursery. A few months later, Madeline held a craft sale, raising another $300. The nursery has now undergone a complete renovation, with new flooring, a fantastic mural and fun toys."

Winners of the Barnum Award are chosen from a pool of nominees, by a panel of distinguished local luminaries, and receive medals and grants to fund future service projects.

As part of her prize, Madeline will receive $1,000 to fund a future community service project.

"I'm really excited to receive the award and that I get to do another project. I like to help kids so I'm thinking about some type of camp this summer," said Madeline. "It's good to give back to your community – plus it's a lot of fun."

Episcopal News Service