When Samuel and Sophia started making and selling bracelets, they decided to donate the proceeds to military veterans — and it made a bigger impact than they ever imagined! Here, they share their story with Woman’s World.

“What if I started my own bracelet business?” asked 9-year-old Samuel Ray as his mother, Tabatha, blinked in amazement. Both Samuel and his 6-year-old sister, Sophia, had been making rubber band bracelets at child care and were excited to share them with others.

“Your dad and I will get you started with supplies until you make enough to buy them yourself, so let’s give it a try,” Tabatha said, fully onboard.

Having always loved crafts, Samuel and Sophia dug in with enthusiasm. Each bracelet, priced at $2, was made of colorful rubber bands intricately laced together and connected at the ends with a clasp.

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Tabatha helped spread the word by posting on Facebook to let the community, friends and family know what the kids were doing.

After receiving 20 orders, the two went to work making bracelets in different colors. They soon found their biggest sellers were the red, white and blue bracelets and green, black and white for their school colors.

“Now that you’re selling a lot and doing so well, what about donating the profits to a local charity?” Tabatha asked.

Both Samuel and Sophia lit up and answered in unison. “The military!” they exclaimed.

When Samuel was little, he was always patriotic, stopping anyone he saw in uniform — from firefighters and police officers to military personnel — to shake their hand and thank them for what they do. Now, with a way to give back, the kids decided to donate funds to the local American Legion Post 147 in Miami, Oklahoma.

Wanting to help increase profits, Tabatha began selling the bracelets at the gas station she and her husband own in Quapaw. The bracelets sold so well that they were able to surprise the American Legion with an $800 check. The members were so grateful they invited Sophia and Samuel to their next monthly meeting, where the kids were presented with certificates of appreciation.

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In addition to donating proceeds, the siblings began making care packages filled with snacks, hygiene items, notebooks and pens for deployed soldiers. They loved uplifting the spirits of those serving, with the shipments going as far as Africa, Korea and a Navy ship.

To date, Samuel and Sophia have sold more than $1,700 in bracelets. “It makes me feel good when we can give donations to them,” Sophia beams.

Tabatha’s heart overflows seeing her children show gratitude and giving back. “It’s a different level of pride when you see your child making such a difference for others.”

Samuel adds, “It makes me feel good to give money to people who served in our military to protect us. It has changed us for the better.”