A remarkable 7-year-old boy has taken it upon himself to raise over $10,000 to support schools affected by the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. His story serves as a powerful reminder that anyone, regardless of age, can make a significant impact in challenging situations.
The Flint Water Crisis
The Flint water crisis began in April 2014 when city officials switched from Detroit’s water supply to using water from the Flint River to cut costs. This disastrous decision exposed approximately 8,657 children under six years old to hazardous levels of lead, as reported by the Detroit Free Press.
Leo’s Initiative
When young Leo Johnson from Virginia learned about the children suffering from contaminated water, he felt compelled to act. Upon contacting Eisenhower Elementary, he discovered that the immediate need wasn’t just for clean drinking water, but for hand sanitizer. This revelation came as a shock, highlighting a failure in communication among officials, including Michigan’s Governor, regarding the ongoing needs of Flint’s schools.
Leo spoke with the school’s secretary, Anna Rodriguez, who explained that the students were hesitant to wash their hands with tap water due to safety concerns. “His enthusiasm and determination were truly heartwarming,” Rodriguez shared. “In my 20 years working with the district, I’ve never encountered someone so young with such a strong sense of purpose.”
Fundraising Success
With the support of his parents, Leo launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $500 to provide hand sanitizer for every classroom at Eisenhower. Thanks to the generosity of others eager to assist, he quickly exceeded his goal. Within just 17 days, Leo raised a remarkable $10,701, enough to supply hand sanitizer to all 12 elementary schools in Flint. His next mission is to assist daycares and shelters in the area, as reported by WTVR.
“That was the best day of my life, trying to help another school. It doesn’t matter how small you are; you can still make a big difference,” Leo stated enthusiastically.
Further Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, Leo Johnson’s fundraising efforts exemplify how even the youngest among us can lead meaningful change. His initiative not only addresses an immediate need but also inspires others to contribute and support their communities during crises.