Cool Kids: 8-year-old an inspiration to those around her

Taylor Hammond may be only 8, but she is already determined to make a difference in the world. And she is starting in her own community.

In the spirit of the holidays, Taylor wanted to donate her money to someone or someplace special, and thought it was a good time of year to do so.

“I thought about it because it was Christmas,” Taylor said. “I have $8 from my allowance and I was going to use it for a donation.”

She and her dad talked it over and Taylor came up with the idea of donating the money to the local animal shelter.

“I chose it because I like animals,” said Taylor. “They (the shelter) can use the money for food, water and kennels.”

Taylor said that the few times she has visited the shelter she has noticed that there are always at least two dogs in each kennel. She adds that most of the dogs are abused or homeless and just need some love.

Taylor’s mom and dad, Jennifer and Jason, helped Taylor organize her project. With their help, Taylor wrote a mission statement which describes just how she will go about changing some of the animals’ lives in her community.

“My mission is to make a difference by raising money to donate to an animal shelter. This will help provide food and shelter for animals in need. Let’s all make a difference in the lives of animals.”

To help raise money for the shelter, Taylor is not just relying upon her allowance. She is doing extra work to help raise even more money.

“I usually help out my grandpa,” said Taylor, who said that her jobs include vacuuming and shoveling.

Taylor’s parents have e-mailed relatives and included information about Taylor’s project in their family Christmas card. So far there have been donations from an aunt in Reno, Nev., and other relatives in California.

“It’s pretty exciting because it has taken on a life of its own,” said Taylor’s mom.

Taylor doesn’t want to just donate money to the shelter; she also wants to volunteer her time.

“Me and Mommy talked about walking the dogs and feeding the animals,” said Taylor.

“I ask her what she thinks would be an appropriate chore for her to do,” adds Jennifer Hammond.

Taylor also wants to encourage others to get involved. She has a twin sister, Cassidy, who has added some of her own money to the collection.

“I’ve talked to one of my friends who wants to volunteer, too,” Taylor said.

If she doesn’t get enough time with animals while volunteering at the shelter, Taylor certainly does at home. She has several animals including two rabbits, which she said are her favorites, eight chickens, two dogs and two cats.

“And Cassidy wants even more pets!” Taylor said.

Taylor said she likes having a sister, especially one her own age.

“I’m never lonely and she (Cassidy) helps me with my projects,” she said.

She also admits the identical twins enjoy playing tricks on people who cannot tell their looks or voices apart.

“We trick my grandma and grandpa on the phone. And sometimes we wear the same clothes and say the same things,” giggled Taylor.

But Taylor’s mom said that she and Jason have made a point to put their girls in separate classes while in school.

“That way they each get to grow as individuals and also as a family,” she said.

When not working to raise money for her project, Taylor enjoys playing soccer and taking horseback riding lessons. She not only learns to ride, but also is active in grooming and putting the saddle and bridle on the horse.

“We get to give them a treat after the lesson,” Taylor said.

In the winter months she enjoys skiing and ice skating.

“Even though I just started skating lessons, I’m already in the highest level,” she said.

Taylor is certainly an enthusiastic girl whose ambition and love of animals is contagious. She is teaching all those around her that one is never too young or too old to make a difference in the world.

“She has certainly inspired mom and dad,” said Jennifer Hammond.