Sophia a little girl with a Big Heart!

Sophia, A little girl with a Big heart

When 7 year old Sophia Casini hears the song “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus, she is sure to break out dancing and dance she can .Enrolled in Ms. Linda’s school of Dance in Dorchester, Sophia who takes classes 4 times a week is living out one of her passions as a member of the dance competition team involving Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary. Ask her and she will not only dance but can sing the lyrics to her favorite song. When you meet this pint-sized beauty, you will surely agree that she is truly a little girl with a Big heart.

Sophia was only 4 years old when she decided to start a sock drive, collecting socks for the homeless. Donations going to The St. Francis House, the biggest homeless shelter in Boston, Socks are the most requested items at homeless shelters. The homeless spend so much of their time walking and are at risk for infections due to exposed skin and the often-harsh elements. Sophia couldn’t fully understand at her tender age of 4 why they needed socks but when her mom explained, she promised her mom then and there, that she was going to start her own drive to make sure that the homeless in the community always had warm and toasty feet.

A 2^nd Grade student at Cunningham Elementary in Milton, this year marked Sophia’s 4^th year of running the drive. In her first year, she set a goal of raising 100 pairs of socks and to her amazement, she was able to collect 282 pairs. Little Sophia was so amazed and in gratitude wanted to double that number the following year and she did just that and more 935 pairs! The ever-driven Sophia now knew that setting high goals is something she must always strive for and her 3^rd year she was able to put 1,000 pairs of socks on the feet of homeless people. “Helping and giving to people who are in need makes me happy “a jubilant Sophia exclaimed when asked how she feels about her sock drivel. As the only child of Rachael and Michael Casini, they pride themselves on teaching young Sophia how important it is to think of others and to give back and that even someone as young as her, can make a difference in the lives of others and they do all they can to instill moral values in her ensuring that she develop into a responsible and caring member of society.

We all know it takes a village to raise a child and lucky for Sophia both her maternal and paternal grandparents not only help with driving her to and from her endless after-school activities but are also instrumental in doing all they can to assist her with the drive. Her dad’s parents who live in Connecticut have their own sock box, so donations come from far away as well.

Every year Sophia advertises her sock drive through local media and has caught the attention of many. It was during the Christmas break that she received a visit from State Senator Walter F. Timilty who offered his praises and thanked her for being such a wonderful role model. It was then that he mentioned to her that Governor Baker was equally impressed and extended an invitation for her and family to join him as his special guests at his January 4^th inauguration, with the honor to Sophia to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. What a delight for the entire family, many of whom would be visiting the State House for their very first time.

A Big honor for a little girl who loves dogs and wants to be an engineer one day. On the day of the inauguration. Sophia who was pretty in red was so excited. Like a seasoned professional, Sophia who proudly recited the Pledge of Allegiance before all in the wall to wall packed Senate Chamber including Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts Karen Polito, Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo and State Senator Walter Timilty. Following the event. Governor Baker met with her and the family, first thanking her for gracing him with her presence and accepting his offer and also congratulated her on a job well done with the pledge but most of all the impressive sock drive, praising her for being a wonderful role model for kids all over the state. While in his office, Sophia who loves Art, presented Governor Baker with a picture of the State House she drew for him as a thank you. Senator Timilty and his staff also treated Sophia to a tour of the new Senate Chambers where she was able to take many photos commemorating this memorable day.

When Sophia is not busy with her sock drive, Sophia who describes herself as being a girly –girl also loves Star Wars and Super Heroes and yes, she loves sharks too. In addition to her many hobbies, and when not reading her favorite book, Muddy Paws and the Birthday Party or playing with her favorite American Girl doll, Luciana Vega, Sophia who recently joined the Princeton Tigers, plays hockey for the Milton House League.

Sophia hopes to extend her sock drive to include clothes and other necessities someday but for now is thankful to all who support the drive to help the homeless. It would be a dream come true to have her yard fenced with a GIANT sock box where donations can be brought and dropped off year-round.

Sock donations can be dropped off at 3 Phyllis Lane in Milton or to catch up with Sophia and all her events and happenings follow her on Instagram at @sophias.socks,

A delightful girl Sophia enjoys spending time at the beach with family, her dog Lola and especially her cousins Carly and Tyler.

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta will always be remembered for her kind acts of service to those less fortunate. Sophia who is preparing to receive her first Eucharist this Spring is already living out her faith so beautifully expressed in a quote by Saint Teresa

..Not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.

Thank you, Sophia