A 5-Year Old Is Changing The World

[Greg's note: This boy is the grandson of a friend. I haven't met his mother, but she writes well....and I love the story]

How my 5 year plans to change the world

On the way to school Tuesday morning, my son asked, “Mom, how do you change the world?” We talked about volunteering time or making donations and the different things we could do for various organizations. I also told him that one person doesn’t change the world; you lead and people will join you in your efforts or choose to do something themselves. Helping is contagious and if people see you helping, then they will want to help as well. When I picked him up from school that evening, he was still talking about it, driving his friends crazy, and warming the hearts of the teachers. “I’m going to change the world.” Then I knew he was serious and we needed a plan.

Food has always been something he has been passionate about. He wants to know that everyone has enough to eat and if asked what he is thankful for, his first response is always “Food.” While you have to be 10 years old to volunteer at the North Texas Food Bank, we could start a food drive. He decided to tell all of his friends who were 10 or older that they could go work there and was very mad when some of his friends would not confess their age. We decided to hold a virtual food drive and a canned food drive. That way friends and family all over could participate and we could have people locally participate by donating goods. Please visit http://vad.aidmatrix.org/vadxml.cfm?driveid=4956 to make your online donation today!

My son wants to know a “number” how much it takes to change the world. He decided that his goal would be to raise $12 and 20 cans for the food bank. I think we can do much better than that and show him how much everyone cares.

He also really wanted me to make this point: if a 5 year old can change the world, then why cant you? Please help show him what he can do, that he makes a difference. He has seen some local news stories about donating coats or hair, etc. and says, “Mom, they are joining us to change the world!” He is so proud.

The online food drive accepts all major credit cards and $1.00 buys 4 meals! It is just like online shopping and you will receive a receipt confirming your donation. If you would rather donate item, I would love to accept that as well. We can also collect toiletries and paper goods. Every donation counts. All donations will be given to the North Texas Food Bank or one of their local member agencies.

Thank you so much for helping make a difference!