Based on the data gathered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are over 550,000 homeless people in America. Given this overwhelming figure, it sure is not unusual to see people plying the streets. And seeing a lot of homeless people in the streets could numb people from feeling for them.
More often than not, it is not those who have more who give to these homeless people, but those who knew how it feels like to have nothing. If not, then it is those who know someone who are longing to have a warm roof over their head.
The Snuggle Sacks, a non-profit organization for the homeless, was all started by an 11-year-old Addisyn Gross. For someone who is so young, Addisyn sure has a big heart with so much love and care to give.
Back in the year 2015, Addisyn and her family reconnected with her estranged grandfather who had been homeless for 6 years. According to her family, they did not speak with him for over a decade until he was diagnosed with cancer. Afraid of dying without patching things up with his family, Addisyn’s grandfather looked for them and asked for forgiveness.
Addisyn was only 8 during that time, but her heart was capable of understanding her long lost grandfather’s plight. When her family traveled to Fenton, Michigan to visit her grandfather who was residing at a veteran’s facility in Indiana, they found out about his unfortunate ordeal.
“I was, like, thinking it was sad, because he got his leg amputated, too, during that time. So, I just really felt bad for him.” The young girl with a big heart shared she felt.
After learning about her grandfather’s situation, Addisyn felt that something must be done. Thus, when they returned home, she founded the Snuggle Sacks, an organization that provides bags full of basic commodities that homeless people rarely have an access to.
On their first year, about 40 homeless men and women received Snuggle Sacks that contained snacks, shampoo, socks, and fleece blankets to keep themselves warm.
Because of her inspiring good Samaritan deed, Addisyn was able to inspire her older sister and brother to help out as well. Since then, the kind siblings have been dedicating their time and effort in helping out the homeless.
“It’s incredible that my sister, younger than me, can come up with that and go through with it. And it just makes me really proud,” Sheridan, Addisyn’s older sister beamed with pride.
“They love it. They get home and see something on the porch, they’re excited! And I think especially, with the holidays coming up, it just puts so much in perspective for us.”
Stacy, Addisyn’s supportive and proud mother, shared how happy she is seeing her family work hard together for the benefit of other people.
The Snuggle Sack that handed-out only 40 sacks on their first year has grew bigger over the years. Now, they are providing about 1,000 bags every month! Not only that, Addisyn’s kindhearted family are also holding soup kitchen to fill the homeless’ hunger.
In addition, Snuggle Sack does not only have a Facebook page with over thousands of supporters, they also have their own website too!
It sure is hard to imagine that all of these great things came from the initiative and kindness of an 11-year-old little girl! But being surrounded with a supportive family, Addisyn is making a huge difference in the life of the homeless! May her story remind us that there is always something we can do to help those who are in need!
Watch the heartwarming video below and see how an 11-year-old Addisyn is making a big difference in the world with the help of her family!