American fifth grader adopted from Vietnam raise money to purchase bikes for girls in home country

Tully O'Keefe, 11, has been collecting money to purchase bikes for girls in Vietnam for years. Her mother, Kristin Bair O’Keeffe, described Tully as self-motivated.

"Every year, she's the one who initiates,” O’Keeffe said.

Tully was adopted from Vietnam. She decided just before her eigth birthday that instead of presents she'd ask for donations to support the Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund.

Sara Nerone and her two daughters, also adopted from Vietnam, started the Rhode Island-based charity. It offers yearlong arts and music programs and summer camps to children in Vietnam. It also provides school-aged girls there with bikes and helmets.

Sara Nerone and her two daughters, also adopted from Vietnam

With no school buses in rural areas, Nerone said kids depend on bikes for transportation. She said it’s also a safer way to get to school.

"There's still a lot of trafficking that goes on along the roads, especially in the rural areas,” Nerone said. “A bike is much safer than walking, and biking in a group is much safer and faster."

Tully said she was drawn to the mission of helping girls get to school because of her own passion for learning.

"I love school, and I can't imagine not being able to go to school," she said.

Each bike and helmet combination costs $60. Tully raised $450 her first year. Her totals have increased significantly since then. This year, her total has already surpassed $2,000.

ully spoke at a recent school assembly that highlighted students making a difference. Principal Tracy Crowley said Tully seized that moment.

"I said, ‘Do you want my help?’ and she said, ‘Nope, I've got it,’ and she really made a big impact on the students," Crowley said.

"To have help from somebody like Tully, and Tully has a connection to Vietnam, it’s just beautiful," Nerone said.

Rock-Paper-Scissors has gifted over 1,500 bikes to girls in Vietnam since 2013. The charity keeps track of all the girls who get bikes. With enough support, Nerone said she would like to set up a scholarship fund.

VNF