In one week, Sophia Maxwell’s father, Max, and Amber Dumstorf’s mother, Deanna, will be married and combining two families. The new household will include Sophia’s older brother and Amber’s younger brother to make a sizable family of six. 

Amber is a 12-year-old sith-grader at Silver Creek and Sophia is a 13-year-old seventh-grader at community Montessori. One might presume there would be at least a small amount of rivalry between these two charming and intelligent young girls as they conform to the modified family unit. However, in this case you couldn’t be more wrong. 

When introduced by their parents a couple of years ago, Sophia and Amber became instant friends — preferring the same colors, styles, etc. They were even wearing the same style of swimsuit when they met. 

Both girls have been involved in volunteer activities for several years. Amber serves on the student council of her school and has volunteered several times in soup kitchens. Sophia loves to dance and has entertained in nursing homes on several occasions. 

A family member (Aunt Kelly) taught them how to make pillows as a fun project for the girls to do together.  Then one day the activity of making pillows turned into more than just fun.  

The girls were riding into Louisville and passed by a homeless man on the side of the road. Amber said, “We just began talking about what life would be like if we didn’t have a home and decided we may be able to help by making pillows for homeless families.” 

Sophia added, “We decided on the Wayside Christian Mission because they had families with children and once we got the idea of helping a homeless shelter, we just stuck with it.”  

Sophia and Amber performed various chores around their respective households in order to make money to purchase much of the material used for the pillows and they set aside at least part of one day each week to sew and stuff the pillows. Friends and family members helped by providing material pieces; thus providing a wide range of colors and designs for the pillows. 

The young Extra Milers chose to incorporate their Christian faith into the project and within each pillow is a Bible verse or prayer with the hope their gifts will encourage the recipients to one day pass on the goodwill.   

Although busy schedules made it difficult to get together for the pillow project, Sophia and Amber made it a priority to complete the project before Christmas. Still, it wasn’t all serious work, as the girls enjoyed one another’s company and became even closer as they found many opportunities to laugh. Amber explained, “We made so many pillows that we began to do things like sew the pillows closed without the stuffing or sew the opening too small.”

Deanna Dumstorf, clearly proud of the girls’ mission, explained there may be a longevity factor to the project.  “Sophia and Amber are hoping to get their church involved and maybe turn this into a ministry for the kids,”  Deanna added. “They could all learn to sew and make pillows for homeless families and this could turn into something great for the long term.” 

More than 35 pillows were delivered to the Wayside Christian Mission, where up to 65 or more children could be living during the holidays. When the gifts were delivered the weekend after Thanksgiving, Kim Linkins was at the door to greet Sophia and Amber with a big smile. She stated, “These pillows are going to make a lot of children happy … in addition to giving many of them to children, we will also deliver them to homeless veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities who are staying at the shelter.” 

I asked each girl individually to describe the other. Amber said, “Sophia is always helpful and super nice.” Not a fan of personal questions, Sophia grappled a bit to find the right words. I asked if she views her relationship with Amber to be as sisters-of-the heart and an instinctive smile swept across her face as she agreed the term fits their relationship perfectly.

Some of us search our entire lives to find a best friend to trust and love unconditionally; someone to connect with automatically and relate closely to while sharing joys, sorrows, hopes, and dreams. Deanna and Max found this in one another and became best friends. They then wrapped their children in that love and their daughters quickly became best friends also. 

In turn, Sophia and Amber have chosen to share their happiness and good fortune with others who may not have been as blessed in their lives. You see … when you feel considerable joy, it is a natural instinct to pass it on. 

These sisters-of-the- heart are indeed Southern Indiana Extra Milers. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”  

Amber and Sophia, thank you for sharing your kindness with those less fortunate and for not being silent.   



Extra Miler Tip of the Month: 

Both Extra Milers want other young people to know there is a lot they can do to make a difference. Sophia explains, “People of all ages need to know they can do it — playing video games or just sitting around doing nothing should not be your choice.” Amber shared a similar sentiment, “No matter how busy you are, there is always time to help others.” Amber’s favorite quote is from “Soul Surfer’s” Bethany Hamilton, “I don’t need easy, I just need possible.” Amber and Sophia want you to discover your own possibilities.

THANK YOU Southern Indiana! Southern Indiana donated more than 3,500 cards and letters to our troops overseas. Your  kind words will have a positive impact on the men and women serving our country so far away from friends and family this holiday season. Thank you. I wish you each of you love and a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays. 



Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO GUIDANCE, Inc.  If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an EXTRA MILER, please contact her.  To submit an Extra Miler, a story, or act of kindness, contact Carol via email:  Cdawson@eeoguidance.com, mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The News-Tribune, 221 Spring Street Jeffersonville, IN  47130-3340.