Kindness truly has no age limit, and the act of giving to others is truly powerful. This young boy reminds us with his spontaneous act of generosity that you don’t need a big bank account but a golden heart to help people.
Nathan Simmons, from Rock Island, Illinois, is a child who enjoys watching YouTube videos. However, his father, Ethan, wasn’t sure how beneficial it was for his son’s development. But his mind may have been changed a bit when Nathan, a then-fourth-grader, decided to do something incredible by following the lead of YouTubers who were filmed giving money to homeless shelters.
In December 2018, after the little boy had seen YouTube personalities donating hundreds to thousands of dollars to homeless shelters, he decided to use the entirety of the savings he gathered for over 18 months to go and buy items that his local homeless shelter needed.
Ethan, on the other hand, was a bit apprehensive at first. “There was part of me that almost wanted me to talk him out of him,” he told the news outlet. “But what kind of lesson am I teaching him if I tell him, ‘No, you shouldn’t be selfless.’”
So, in the end, the father decided to not only help his son with his thoughtful action but also match his donation.
The same day, the father-son duo walked to an ATM and withdrew around US$150 from each of their accounts. Before that, Nathan had gotten in touch with the Christian Care shelter in Rock Island and made a list of items they needed. “I got my list, and it’s for what we need to buy for the homeless shelter,” he excitedly said.
At Silvis Walmart, little Nathan bought shoes, gloves, barbeque sauce, and hot sauce as requested by the shelter. Having a little leftover money, the boy even got them some treats for the shelter such as pop and cookie cakes. “It makes me feel happy and proud of myself,” Nathan said.
Cindi Gramenz, the development coordinator for the shelter, greeted the father and son and told Nathan how remarkable his gesture was. “You know you’re doing an awesome thing, right? You’re helping a lot of people.”
She further added: “At nine years old, to be feeling that kind of compassion for the work we do and for what’s going on in his community is pretty amazing.”
As for Ethan, he couldn’t be any prouder of his incredible son. “Not many people can say they emptied their savings account and went shopping for a homeless shelter,” he added.
“I hope a few are inspired to do the same, Ethan. I love this,” one Facebook user wrote. While another added, “raising a great young man there, Ethan.”
One particularly poignant comment noted that “Nathan, has realized the joy of giving is so much greater than the joy of receiving! The lesson learned from a growing heart showing compassion to other’s is a very very valuable lesson indeed!”
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