'Just like me' Cynthia Rossi hugs her doll who looks just like her. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald For those who read about the kindergarten students who sold popcorn to raise funds for the rebuilding of the torched playground boat in Delphi, this is the rest of the story:

One of the girls who sold the popcorn at Camden Early Childhood Center went a step further and brought in her savings for the cause. Cynthia Rossi had been saving all summer for an American Girl doll. Many who read the story hoped that somehow, Cynthia would still be able to get her doll.

Stephen Siwinski of Flora did more than hope. He made it happen. He called her teacher, Sherri Cripe, and asked her to check with the girl's parents and see if it was all right if he bought the doll for Cynthia. He found out what kind of doll Cynthia had wanted, and got that very one. She had wanted the "Just Like Me" doll, with the same hair and eye color and same complexion.

Last Thursday, Cynthia was surprised when her parents, Siwinski, the school principal, superintendent, and a Canal Association member all came to her classroom. Then she was given the doll. She was a bit overwhelmed, but all smiles.

Siwinski Siwinski said it was amazing that a five-year-old girl would give her savings.

"When you do something good, it comes around full circle," he said. "I wanted her reward to be the doll. I hope this is a continuing lesson in her life."

Cynthia's parents, Al and Denise Rossi, said they are proud of their daughter and of all the kindergartners at her school. They are also appreciative of a stranger's generosity.

"Cynthia will remember this the rest of her life," her mother said.

The kindergartner's good fortune will continue when her parents plan to take her to the American Girl Store in Chicago in December.

"She and her doll will be going to a tea," her mother said. And now that she has her doll, there could be shopping for doll clothes and accessories.

Cynthia had earned her money by doing chores and helping out at her grandpa's house. When she told her parents she wanted to take her savings to school for the boat, her parents asked if she was sure that's what she really wanted to do.

She told them that the doll would just be for her but "the whole world" enjoys the playground boat.

Cynthia said her favorite thing about the boat was the yellow slide.

And her favorite thing about the doll?

"It looks just like me," she said.