When it comes to making a difference, 11-year old Matthew Ross showed age holds no limits.
After a recent tornado devastated the town of Ringgold, Ga., Ross decided to help by donating toys to the affected children.
‘I was watching the news and I saw how devastating the tornadoes were and I just wanted to do something to help,? he said.
A resident of Independence Township and member of Boy Scout Troop 199 in Clarkston, he began his efforts by contacting a representative of S.A.F.E., Stuffed Animals for Emergencies, a non-profit organization in Georgia.
After learning where to send the toys, Ross contacted local businesses, his school, and other organizations to request donations of new and gently used toys. He also donated some of his own toys.
After six weeks, he collected over 500 toys along with monetary donations from L.A. Cafe’s Peacefest. The donations were delivered to Ringgold by the Ross family.
Although Matthew says that the process was long, he has high hopes for the children of Ringgold.
‘I hope that it made them joyful and just reminded them that people still knew that they were there,? he said.
? Elise Shire