When 8-year-old Ava McKiernan saw commercials on TV for St. Jude’s Children Hospital, she was inspired to do something to help. McKiernan, of East Islip, put together a Wreaths of Joy wreath sale this past holiday season and was able to raise $800 for the sick children at St. Jude’s. She made and sold a total of 41 wreaths.

 

In February the Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and members of the Islip Town Board honored McKiernan for her effort.

 

“Ava is truly an inspiration, and an example of what it means to be a role model,” said Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.No child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.

 

Ava said she plans to continue to donate to St. Jude’s through her wreath sale each holiday season.