After seeing news programs about the war in Ukraine and its devastating effects on the residents, Sophie Massoudi was moved to do something to help. She enjoyed creating bead bracelets, so she decided to make and sell blue and yellow bracelets with the letters PEACE. To facilitate her project, she created bracelets4peace.com.

Assisted by her sister, Ariana, Sophie made 850 bracelets and raised $6,500, which she donated to the US-Ukraine Foundation, a non-profit organization which provides humanitarian and economic aid, including emergency medical equipment, to Ukraine.  The group also advocates for strong US-Ukraine relations. Sophie noted that many people donated money without requesting a bracelet, which demonstrated to her that one person can inspire many others to join together to support a worthy cause.

Sophie’s efforts to spread peace and to raise awareness was recognized on NBC4 News Washington:  https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Virginia-sisters-make-bracelets-to-support-peace-in Ukraine/3017910/.

In addition to her bracelet project, in May 2023 Sophie started a Help the Homeless Club at Madison High School. Members collected food and clothing and assembled care packages which they delivered to the Embry Rucker Shelter in Reston, which provides emergency housing to families and individuals.  Sophie currently serves as president of Help the Homeless, and she hopes that one of the younger members will assume the leadership next year so that the Club can continue long after she graduates.