Copyright WEAU
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT/Gray News) -A fifth-grader in Nebraska has been assembling boxes with items for birthdays and holidays for children experiencing homelessness. On the eve of his 11th birthday, Grayson Thomas crafted special kits to help unsheltered kids celebrate their special day. “They should be able to celebrate, too,” Thomas said. The birthday kit includes cake mix, frosting, a soda and candles. To celebrate Halloween, candy bags were also added. Once complete, Grayson took the thoughtful donation to Open Door Mission. “It’s a really big deal for our people to feel seen and to feel like people care about them. So for a young man to decide to provide birthday kits for parents who can make cakes for their children in shelter is just like above and beyond,” said Amy Harvey, Open Door Mission’s chief community relations officer. A report from Siena Francis earlier this year, showed 6,000 people experience homelessness in Omaha yearly. “Parents here want their kids to be like every other kid, celebrate birthdays, and they are just not in a position to do it,” said Amy Harvey. “So this made that a possibility.” The donation didn’t stop at birthday. Hygiene items were also included. Grayson loaded up plastic zip bags full of toiletries like razors, combs, travel sized shampoo and conditioners along with a toothbrush. “Grayson putting kits together really blessed people that can just come in and grab something when they arrive or during their stay here and be able to have the basic necessities that I know a lot of us,” explained Harvey. These kits are just one of several ways neighbors are helping neighbors. As the government shutdown persists, an outpouring of support from multiple communities have made sure families stay fed. “There are so many people out there that need help and I just want to do whatever I can to help,” said Grayson. The kits are something he has been doing for about 3 years for multiple non-profits on a 4-6 week basis. She also says they plan to do boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas, depending on what is needed.
