Salem Elementary second grader sells prized collection to aid Hurricane Helene victims

Morganton, NC – Friday, Nov. 1, 2024

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s destruction across western North Carolina, communities and individuals have rallied in numerous ways to support those affected. Among them is 8-year-old Stella R., a second grader at Salem Elementary School, who decided to sell something very special to her to help hurricane victims.

Stella has been collecting Barbies for as long as she can remember, and in her eight short years, amassed a collection of over 40 dolls. The collection includes regular Barbies, career Barbies, three Kens, two houses, a camper, a car and a jeep. “This girl loves Barbies,” said Stella’s grandmother, Michelle Bollinger, the bookkeeper at Liberty Middle School. Bollinger said while her siblings are off playing sports, Stella occupies her time with her dolls. 

When Stella, the daughter of Jesse and Ashton R., saw videos of hurricane survivors on social media, she immediately knew what she wanted to do to help. “I was watching the videos with my mom, and I felt really sad,” Stella said. “So, I decided to help by selling my Barbies.” 

Despite some initial hesitations from family who suggested she keep her Barbies and let them contribute instead, Stella’s mind was made up; she was determined to raise the money herself. Stella’s mom posted about her mission on Facebook, and the response has been overwhelming. To date, Stella has raised $400 through sales and donations, which she’s using to purchase blankets. Others have pitched in, donating additional blankets, plus items such as heaters.

Inspired by her granddaughter’s generosity, Bollinger has teamed up with Stella to organize a school drive. Through Nov. 15, Liberty Middle and Salem Elementary are serving as collection sites for blankets, stuffed animals, flashlights, batteries and space heaters. “I’m beyond proud to see her generosity and determination to make a difference,” Bollinger said.

Stella’s teacher at Salem, Taylor Gragg, said she is blessed to have Stella in her classroom and her generosity is leading to rich discussions among the second graders. Gragg said, “Stella is an amazing human being at such a young age. She is an amazing friend and student who is always willing to help me and others. When Stella mentioned that she was selling her Barbies for hurricane victims, my heart grew so much knowing that one of my precious students was willing to give for others. Since Stella has mentioned this in class, I have had others who are willing to talk about their experiences with helping others during and after the hurricane. I remind them daily about the kindness they have to offer to others. Stella makes me a very proud teacher.”

Stella’s favorite subject in school is math and she dreams of becoming an engineer or a teacher when she grows up. Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan said Stella is already showing the compassion and dedication those roles require. He said, “To say I am proud of Stella is an understatement. By choosing to part with something special to her to raise money for hurricane victims, Stella has shown us all what it means to be a selfless giver, fully invested in the well-being of others. Her empathy and determination to make a difference remind us of the power of even the smallest acts to inspire and uplift a community in times of need. Stella’s actions are a shining example of the heart and spirit that make our schools so exceptional.”

While her own family experienced some storm damage, including a broken trampoline and downed trees, Stella realizes how lucky she is. She said, “I was really sad for people who lost their homes and really thankful that our house is still here.”