Teen Sisters Share Ribbons With Frontline Workers

WEST ISLIP, NY — West Islip sisters are Paisley Narra, 17, and Abby Narra, 15, use to doing their part to give back to the community. The two West Islip High School students and competitive horse riders are long standing members of the United States Pony Club, Girl Scouts and 4H and have been doing charity work through those groups over the years.

But when the coronavirus pandemic hit, they found a new way to give back to the frontline workers who have been affected by the virus. To show their appreciation, the two presented their ribbons they have received over the past 10 years of competing in horse shows, both locally and on a national level, to workers at nursing homes, hospitals and precincts. They then decided to expand on that idea, starting the group Ribbons for Reasons to allow residents to request to send one of their ribbons as a message of hope to someone in need.

"We want to share our ribbons with the others who are experiencing difficult circumstances or who have reached their goals. We know that you all have your reasons or know someone who has one. Ribbons for Reasons was born in the wake of dark times, but it will continue to help and bring light to others as our communities recover. Over the past few months we have watched front line workers, including family members, go to work and experience their 'reason,'" the girls wrote on the Ribbons for Reasons website. "We hear first hand the increasing sound of ambulances rushing down main street, witness the sympathy card selection bare, and hear stories of our community members caring for or mourning their loved ones from afar. The 'reasons' were rapidly growing and we had an idea to give out our earned ribbons to the deserving public."

Since they started, they have distributed about 75 ribbons in total along with letters of appreciation on behalf of the youth of West Islip and the equestrian community. They even distributed some to hospitals such as Good Samaritan Medical Hospital in West Islip, Southside Hospital in Bay Shore and St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn.

The ribbons are disinfected and personalized with stickers before they are dropped off at door steps if the recipients live in town or mailed. People can nominate themselves or someone can request a ribbon on their behalf through the website. Donations are accepted and can be made through their website.

"A ribbon helps remind people of important messages like 'I did it', 'I overcame it', 'I reached my goal' and/or 'I can keep going,'" the Narra sisters wrote. "It tells people that your loved one is proud of you or that your community thanks you. It is a symbol of accomplishment and encouragement."

All photos courtesy of Amanda Narra