We asked children in Appleton what they're thankful for. Here's what they said.
With Thanksgiving just a week away, Wisconsinites are counting their blessings. Children are no exception.
We headed to two spots in downtown Appleton that are bustling with children, the Community Early Learning Center and the Building for Kids Children's Museum, to ask the pressing question: "What are you thankful for this year?"
Here's what they said:
Sophie Lausman, 4, Appleton
"My friend, Adah," said Sophie, who attends Bridges Child Enrichment Center in the Community Early Learning Center.
Adah Villnave, 4, Appleton
Sophie's friend at Bridges said she is thankful that "my brother is doing potty training."
Ihla Hawpetoss, 3, Appleton
Ihla is thankful for her mom and that she gets to paint with her friend Skai Schroeder. Ihla and Skai tried out their art skills side-by-side Tuesday at the Building for Kids Children's Museum in downtown Appleton.
Skai Schroeder, 3, Waupaca
Skai said he is thankful "for Mommy and playing toys."
Brynnlee Sawyer, 4, Hilbert
Using an augmentative and alternative communication device, Brynnlee said she is thankful for "school." Brynnlee enjoys playing in the ball pit and water area at the Building for Kids.
Judah Shrum, 4, Appleton
Judah, a student at Bridges, slightly echoed Brynnlee's answer. "I am thankful for 'my Appleton' (what he calls his house) and my school," Judah said.
Ellie Perushek, 3, Appleton
Ellie, also enjoying her time at the Building for Kids, said she is thankful for her "scooter and garage." Her mom explained the garage houses her scooter, her favorite toy.
Luca Chu, 3, Appleton
Luca, who attended a playgroup Tuesday at the Community Early Learning Center, also said he is thankful for his favorite toy: trains.
Emmy and Vinny Michaels, 9 and 7, Chilton
"I am thankful for my friends," Emmy, the oldest of the siblings, said. Vinny, her younger brother, said he is thankful for their mom. The two enjoyed playing at the Building for Kids on Tuesday afternoon.
Royal Ramsey, 4, Appleton
Royal, a Bridges student, is thankful for hugs.
The Allen siblings, of Nicholasville, Kentucky
The Building for Kids had some out-of-state guests Tuesday: the Allen family from Nicholasville, Kentucky.
The oldest sibling, Cori, is 10, and said she is thankful for "everything ‒ my family, my house, God, this place and my food."
Nora, 6, echoed that she was also happy to be visiting The Building For Kids, while her 4-year-old brother, Ben, was specifically thankful for the sea and animals.
With some coaching from his siblings, the youngest Allen child, Eli, who is 19 months old, shared what he is thankful for, too: bananas, his favorite food.
Madison Lammert is a Report for America corps member who covers child care and early education in Wisconsin at The Post-Crescent. Contact her at mlammert@gannett.com or 920-993-7108. Follow on Twitter @MadisonLammert0.
You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation online at http://bit.ly/Appleton_RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Post Crescent Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: We asked children across Appleton what they're thankful for. Here's what they said.
