Sydney Swanson donated money she collected from selling bracelets to the Sequim Food Bank. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Third-grader Sydney Swanson, 8, stands inside the Sequim Food Bank where she just gave away her hard-earned cash. She labored for three months making beaded hope bracelets to sell at the Sequim Prairie Grange bazaar.

“Since it’s starting to get cold, it’s harder to get food,” she said. “I just don’t want people being hungry anymore.”

Her mom, Traci Swanson, said Sydney wanted to buy food for people the past five months and the idea to donate to the food bank was all her daughter’s.  

“She’s stayed on track and been very persistent,” Tracy Swanson said. “She has a very kind heart and pays attention to everyone’s feelings.”

Sydney earned $72 for the food bank and her dad, Dan Swanson, owner of True Trades Construction, matched her donation.

“Having all that money and still wanting to give it away is impressive,” Tracy Swanson said. “We’re very proud of her.”

Sydney already has plans to make sea glass necklaces to benefit the Olympic Medical Cancer Center.

The Sequim Food Bank, 144 W. Alder St., is open  9 a.m.-noon Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Call 461-6038 for more information.