Sydney Stapley

In school, Oak Ridge 8^th Grader Sydney Stapley can be found studying algebra and Spanish amongst all her other classes and activities that keep her busy over the course of a day.

At home, in the free time Sydney does have, you’re likely to find her giving back to the community by making cupcakes.

This touching show of support has earned her a nomination as one of KCRG’s 9 Who Care winners for volunteerism.

Last year, Sydney’s friend was facing heart surgery. As a show of support, she came up with the idea of baking cupcakes and going door to door in exchange for donations they would later give to the American Heart Association.

While her efforts may have started as a small seed, they would soon bloom. “Blossom’s Cupcakes for a Cause,” — based on a nickname her father had given her – would now see her baking hundreds of cupcakes and donating them to a variety of charities including The Red Cross, Make a Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society and more.

When speaking about her nomination, Sydney said she hopes to continue giving and that no matter who you are, you can make a difference.

For being named, Sydney will have $500 donated to the charity of her choice. KCRG will hold their annual 9 Who Care banquet this month. At the event, one winner will be named to represent Eastern Iowa at the National Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Awards this summer in Washington D.C.

Congratulations and good luck Sydney!