BERTHOUD — Bullying has become a big conversation across the U.S. and now a fourth grader in Berthoud wants to be part of a solution to end it.
Sophie Jaye's been exploring the topic at school and said working to spread kindness has become a growing passion of hers.
"I didn't like it," Jaye said. "I didn't like that other people in the world, even at my school, got bullied every single day."
Jaye said she's never personally experienced what it's like to be a victim of bullying but has learned and seen enough to take action. So, like most kids, when she wanted something done right she went to her mom, Brandi.
"Her thing is you have to do something," Brandi said. "She's always said that."
After going online, Jaye discovered Ditch the Label, an international anti-bullying non-profit organization.
"It's a website that can help people get through hard times, maybe make a friend so that they have friends," Jaye said. "It has articles about how bullies start bullying because of problems in their life."
She wanted to help and felt the best way to do so was by donating money but she'd have to raise it first, Jaye explained.
With her mom's help, Jaye began putting her thoughts into words and then putting those words on different things like T-shirts and coffee mugs to sell using the Spreadshirt website. Jaye's now created her own page, Louder than Words, where people can buy the items.
Jaye said she picked the name for her webpage because the phrase "actions speak louder than words" is her favorite. Through her latest project, she's discovered even more inspirational quotes.
One of the latest sayings she's learned comes from comedian Lily Tomlin reads, "I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about it. Then I realized I am somebody."
"I like it because you need to stand up for somebody or stand up for yourself when you're in a hard situation," Jaye said.
In just a few weeks, Jaye has already raised and donated more than $5,000 to Ditch the Label.
