GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., -- An eight-year-old girl wants to give a special gift to the homeless in Grand Rapids this holiday season. Addy Robinson was inspired to
collect winter gear to give away, after seeing people on the streets recently.
"I first started thinking of this when we would always go to the hospital to see my grandpa and there would be homeless people on the side of the road," she told FOX 17 News. "I said 'Mom, can we bring them home, shelter or food or money?'"
Instead, the Kent City third grader settled on the idea to launch a donation drive, collecting items like hats, blankets and gloves to help protect the homeless against dropping temperatures.
"I believe that doing this will help a lot of people stay warm, so they won't pass away," Addy explained. "I have a goal of getting as many people as I can to help
out and donate."
With the help of her family, she's created flyers advertising "Addy's Warm Heart Donation Drive". Collection barrels have also been placed in Design 1 Salons, where Addy's mother works as a stylist, along with a handful of other businesses.
Within just a few weeks, the donations have quickly poured in.
"It's just amazing how much an 8-year-old can impact so many people here in the community," said Rachel Robinson, Addy's Mother. "We're very proud."
Robinson has teamed up with Mel Trotter Ministries, and is planning to deliver all the items on December 21st.
"This is going to be a huge blessing to all our guests who come through the door," said Adrienne Goodstal, Director of Programs at Mel Trotter. "What an inspiration, not only to the younger population, but to us as well, to know that it's about giving back in this time of the season and throughout the year."
Addy plans to collect items through December 18th.
New and gently used items can be dropped off at the following locations:
Design 1 South: 6750 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Ste. F, Grand Rapids
Design 1 Plainfield: 4485 Plainfield Ave. NE, Ste 201, Grand Rapids
Design 1 Grandville: 4693 Wilson Ave. SW, Ste. F, Grandville
Design 1 Cascade: 5747 28th Street SE, Ste. 102, Grand Rapids
Brigade Fire Protection: 5701 Safety Drive. NE, Belmont, MI
Hart Enterprises: 400 Applejack Ct., Sparta, MI
C U Answers: 6000 28th Street SE #100, Grand Rapids, MI