A Group Of Local Kids Giving Back To Community This Christmas
We first brought you the story of my former neighbor, a little girl named Alexa Vickerson, who when she was just 8 years old, asked her mom if she could raise some money to help kids in need at Christmas. In 2020, Alexa managed to raise $200 in one week, which she used to buy Christmas gifts and then donate those gifts to Toys For Tots.
Alexa's mom reached out to a family friend, Jared Slauenwhite, Sales Manager at Darling's Ford. He told her that Darling's does "Toys For Tots" every year, at all of their locations, and that they would happily accept the donations on Alexa's behalf.
That was a few years ago.
This year, a few other neighborhood kids decided they wanted to help Alexa spread some holiday cheer, too.
So Brennan, Noah, and Wilder got involved, and the kids started fundraising in the summer, by selling lemonade and freeze pops.
According to a post on the Darling's Auto Group Facebook Page, the kids raised over a thousand dollars this year and split the funds giving it to 3 local organizations.
"This year's totals were $900 to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, $200 to Good Shepherd Food Bank, & $200 to the Bangor Humane Society."
I asked Alexa what it is that makes her keep her doing this year after year.
"I continue to do this because it makes me happy that I can help kids on Christmas."
What's her favorite part about the experience?
"...the feeling I get when I donate them."
Noah says he wanted to get involved this year because " it helps gives kids a Christmas that might not have one."
His favorite part?
“My favorite part was delivering the gifts! Everyone was so happy for us.”
And Brennan says she was happy to be a part of this year's efforts because of how the gifts they were able to buy and donate with the money they raised will help other kids in the area make some positive memories.
"The reason I do this drive is to give kids Christmas like I had when I was younger. These toys will always put a smile on their faces when they open them on Christmas morning."
Keep being awesome, kids. You're providing people with a great example of how to be decent people who care about others. The world needs you.
Happy Holidays!