Olympic Heights Student continues Grass Roots Effort to help needy kids

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep. 24, 2012 - Luke Barron, Olympic Heights Junior began this grass roots effort in 2001 and since it has become a tradition to those families that join him each year in doing various events to gather new toys for children at Village Academy pre-school in Delray Beach. Luke and his friends begin working in August, planning fundraisers and actively seek other friends who want to participate in a worthwhile experience. "This year we have reached out to local High School Students to continue our grass roots effort" said Luke Barron. We have distributed over 5000 books through this organization and we have adopted 200 children this year and our goal is to distribute 400 books and 200 new toys to these kids.

"Each year I am amazed at how my friends come together and help make this happen", Luke Barron now 16 years old. "Last year we saw some older kids laughing outside the window while we were distributing toys and when we asked what was so funny, they replied we remember when you used to come and give us toys and books, and now you are giving them out to my little sister." Luke said, I couldn't believe it, they remembered. You never know what an act of kindness can mean to someone else.

Last year a Spanish River High School student, Karis Pitoff asked her fellow students to donate their loose change and collected $46.00. Emily Kramer did a Mitvah at her recent Bat Mitvah at B'nai Israel and donated toys and books. Younger participants sell candy door to door, Bar Mitvah and Bat Mitvah students have donated their Mitvah money throughout the years. Our friends come from diverse backgrounds but we all come together for a common cause helping others before ourselves. This year we are asking friends, family and the community to come out and bowl or donate a new toy for a 3-5 year old.
Visit our website: www.friends4kids-operationhobo.com

This year Wild Hare Salon where Luke works on weekends, has agreed to partner with his group as well as St. Andrew's Chapel where he attends services.