Owasso 9-Year-Old Girl Crochets With A Mission

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

OWASSO, OK -- Often it's not the size of the gift, but the size of the heart inside the giver. An Owasso girl's amazing commitment to others is made more amazing when you understand she's only 9 years old.

Nine-year-old Makenzie Wedemeyer is crocheting scarves. She hopes to get another 20 done before Christmas. Not crocheting for herself but scarves for others who might need one.

One of our pastors was talking about how you can help missionaries without leaving your home. I asked Mom and Dad if I could start a mission," said Makenzie Wedemeyer.

They said of course and were curious about what her mission would do.

"I want to make Webkinz clothes for people; maybe they'll buy them," said Makenzie's mother Jennifer Wedemeyer, describing the first idea behind Punky Monkey Missions.

That's how it started: Webkinz and doll clothes, mini manicure and pedicures. People would donate, and she'd spread the money around.

Makenzie designed a series of thank you cards and sold those too. She's been busy. She raised about $5,000 this year.

The 9-year-old selects a different charity or mission each month and gives them a contribution.

Someone at her hip-hop dance lessons taught her to crochet. So she decided to use this new skill to make scarves.

She's got a box full.

"This one and another one will go to one of our friends," she said.

The others she's making will go to John 3:16 Mission, and the Parent Child Center.

I think it's important, just to see the joy in others," said 9-year-old Makenzie Wedemeyer, whose mission is making scarves for those in need.

Learn more about Makenzie or order a custom scarf at her web site: PunkyMonkeyMissions.blogspot.com.