GAYLORD — You are never too young to make a change and some local third graders in Otsego County are out to prove that.
The students at South Maple Elementary School are planning to give back to people in the area who are experiencing homelessness.
“If you’re too little, it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything,” South Maple Elementary student Kellogg said.
The students created a donation drive for the community to help people experiencing homelessness.
And another third grader, Landon, was the first to come up with the idea.
“I’ve been seeing a lot of people on the streets and it made me sad,” he said, “So, I just decided to do this project to brighten up people’s lives.”
He asked his parents and teacher what they could do to help. He also encouraged his friends Waylon and Kellogg to join.
“I was like, ‘Dang, I wish I could join,’ and Landon came up to me the next day, telling me,” Waylon said.
The Michigan State Police Gaylord Post will be partnering with the students to have a donation bin at their office. The students are asking people to donate new pillows and blankets to keep homeless people warm. All donations will go to The Refuge in Otsego County.
“This is our first experience with one of our youth in our community wanting to help others, and it truly warmed our heart,” Lt. Ashley Miller said.
The State Trooper Outreach Program will be donating $500 to the drive.
Lt. Ashley Miller says encouraging the students’ hearts to help now will teach them to do this for the rest of their lives.
“There are a lot of people in need in every community throughout the state,” Miller said. And when you teach them young to live for other people, you truly could change the world. And that’s what these kids are doing.”
The third graders are hoping to make a difference in their county and want everyone to feel cared for. Landon encourages other kids to follow their hearts when people need help.
“Basically, spreading kindness and always caring about each other,” he said, “I would just tell them to focus on their dreams. Just don’t worry about anything. Just go how you wanted to do it, and I’m sure it will happen.”
The donation drive will be from May 5-9 at the Michigan State Police, Gaylord Post.