On October 29th, 2019 a horrible plane crash occurred in the Colonia section of Woodbridge that affected many lives forever. WB Police Officer, Michael Barbato, was just one of several dozen police officers and firemen dispatched to the scene that day.
After a long day on the scene and finally arriving home, Officer Barbato’s daughter, Emily, 6, asked him about the accident and about who lived in the house. He explained to her that the house was occupied by a mom and dad and their 5 year old daughter named Sofia and sadly because of the fire, the family had lost everything. Immediately, Emily asked if she could help.
It just so happens that both Sofia and Emily were the same age and they both loved unicorns so Emily asked if she could sell unicorn key chains and give Sofia all of the money she made so that Sophia could buy new toys since she lost all her toys in the fire. Emily has since been selling key chains at various places and through social media where she made a video explaining her efforts to help Sophia and to date has sold over 200 unicorn key chains.
During her fundraising efforts, Emily herself has come across many acts of kindness from people young and old alike but there are two that stand out the most. The first was from a kindergarten class at Oak Tree Road School 29 in Iselin. The class watched Emily’s video together and then they did a writing assignment on kindness and had to give their teacher ways Emily was kind to others and how they too could be kind.
The second act of kindness came from her little friend from first grade, named Vito. He wrote her a card and in it said “Dear Emily (and Sophia), I saw your video and wanted to help so I’m donating $ 30.00 of my birthday money, my brother and sister each gave me $ 5.00 and my family gave me $ 10.00 so here is $ 50.00 for Sophia! I hope you get a lot of money for Sophia so you can buy new stuff! Your friend, Vito Russo.”
Emily plans to meet Sophia during the holiday season to present her with the money she made from all of the little unicorn key chains she sold with love.
Great Job Emily, your kindness has touched many lives!