Abbey Strickland, an 8th grader in Arcadia, raised $265.85 for Red Cross wildfire relief through her student-run pop-up thrift shop. Part of her Innovation Lab passion project, turned donated clothes and toys into life-saving support—proving that creativity and compassion can spark real change at any age. (Photo courtesy of Monica Bucknam).
Original story by Monica Bucknam, Barnhart School. Edited and published by the American Red Cross.
When 8th-grade graduate Abbey Strickland set out to complete her Innovation Lab passion project at Barnhart School in Arcadia, she had two big goals: reduce the impact of fast fashion and raise money for a meaningful cause. With guidance from her mentor, teacher Monica Bucknam, Abbey brought that vision to life in the form of Thingamabobs—a colorful, student-run pop-up thrift shop designed to turn unwanted items into life-saving support for people affected by disasters.
Abbey’s creative project began with a bold idea: gather gently used clothing, toys and trinkets from her school community, rebrand them with fun and purpose and sell everything for just $1. All proceeds would go to the American Red Cross to support wildfire relief and long-term recovery for those impacted.
She got to work on her branding first—designing a playful logo, crafting call-to-action posters and sending out an eblast to rally donations. Over two weeks, Abbey collected items and transformed an unused classroom into a cheerful storefront. Her parents pitched in after school and it didn’t take long for Thingamabobs to become a favorite hangout for students and teachers alike. Some even became regulars, including 4th and 5th graders and teachers looking for new treasures.
One especially heartwarming moment came when Ms. Hardin, the school’s P.E. teacher, brought students from the afterschool program to pick out one item each—on her dime.
Running the pop-up shop taught Abbey important lessons about small business, budgeting, customer service and marketing. While she originally thought the clothes would fly off the shelves, she quickly learned that toys and trinkets were in higher demand.
Abbey had hoped to raise maybe $30 or $40, but her final total far surpassed that. “We raised a total of $265.85,” Abbey shared. “I am eternally grateful to everyone who donated items and made purchases. With the help of Mrs. Bucknam, we will be delivering the proceeds to the Red Cross in Arcadia.”
True to her word, Abbey and her teacher stopped by their local Red Cross office to hand-deliver the donation—every dollar raised by her community, for communities recovering from the LA Fires.
Closing shop was bittersweet. Juggling the pop-up alongside homework, volunteering and studying was no small feat. But for Abbey, the experience was worth every minute. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to bring this Innovation Lab, my passion project, to life,” she said.
Abbey’s drive to support others through her creativity and compassion is a reminder that anyone—at any age—can make a difference. Her family, regular Red Cross blood donors, shares that same spirit of service.
If Abbey's story inspires you, consider making a gift to the Red Cross today at redcross.org. Your donation helps bring hope and relief to people in crisis—just like Abbey did, one dollar at a time.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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