They say that if you truly want to make a difference in the life of other people, what you need to do is to give. But more than just donating money, what makes giving such a beautiful gesture is the love and care put into it. In addition, giving always makes room for happiness.
A 9-year-old boy with a golden heart knows how much happiness one can experience from giving. Nathan Simons of Rock Island, Illinois, is making noise online when his thoughtfulness and generosity touched the heart of numerous people.
While it is normal for children to think about all the toys they would like to buy after saving money, Little Nathan chose to do something else with his treasures. Instead of asking for a new toy, he told his father that he wanted to use all of his money in helping out the homeless. Apparently, Nathan had seen a video in Youtube about someone handing out a $100,000 to the homeless community. Inspired to be a blessing to others, the 9-year-old boy wanted to do the same thing.
Ethan Simons, Nathan’s supportive father, admitted that at first he was a bit hesitant about Nathan’s wish… knowing how his son saved his allowance for more than 1 year. However, he realized that as a father it is only right to support him in his cause.
“That (video) was in a larger city,” Ethan recalled. “But Nathan said he wanted to do what they did. I told him we don’t have $100,000 and he said, ‘Well, I have $150 saved,’” Ethan explained how his son insisted to share all of the money he saved without second thoughts.
“There was part of me that almost wanted me to talk him out of it, but what kind of lesson am I teaching him if I tell him ‘no, you shouldn’t be selfless.'” Ethan shared, expressing his earnest support to his son.
Ethan also added how Nathan’s determined decision to spend all of the money he religiously saved to help the homeless touched his heart.
“When Nathan said, ‘All of it,’ I had to pause and think, where I could find an extra $150 in my budget — while he, without hesitation, committed to everything he had in the world and had saved for more than 1½ years… It was humbling.” Ethan said, sharing his realization.
The kindhearted 9-year-old kid called some homeless shelters in the Quad Cities areas. During this time, the Christian Care, a domestic violence shelter and rescue organization, was open and gave briefed them about the needs of the people under their care.
“I got my list, and it’s for what we need to buy for the homeless shelter,” Nathan shared. The list included some shoes, gloves, and food for the homeless.
And so, Nathan took about $150 from his life savings, leaving a few dollars behind to keep his account active. In addition, Ethan was even inspired to help-out as well. In every dollar Nathan donated for the homeless Ethan donated an equal amount as well.
Afterwards, the father and son stopped by at the Silvis Walmart to get busy. After all of the items included in the list were taken care of, Nathan still had a few bucks left, and so he decided to get something extra for the homeless. He also threw cookie cakes and sodas on his cart for the people staying at Christian Care to celebrate New Year’s Eve with.
“It feels good. I wish I could have it myself, but I have to think about other people sometimes.” The generous 9-year-old kid shared how he felt after shopping for the homeless.
Nathan and his father headed to the Christian Care community to deliver the goods. Upon receiving the generous gift of Nathan, the Christian Care staff was impressed by his overwhelming kindness despite his young age.
“You know you’re doing an awesome thing, right? You’re helping a lot of people,” Cindi Gramenz, the Development Coordinator of Christian Care told the little boy while they were unloading the goods from the truck.
“At 9 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,” Cindi added.
The Development Coordinator and the staff of the Christian Care community were not the only one who are admiring Nathan’s generous gesture. More than anyone, Ethan’s heart is full of happiness and pride knowing about the big heart his son possess.
“Not many people can say they emptied their savings account and went shopping for a homeless shelter. You did a good thing today, my son,” The proud father said.
What makes Nathan’s selfless gesture extra-sweet is the fact that her sister is a part of the Marine Corps. Just in the year 2017 alone, over 800 veterans in Illinois had no roof over their head. Donating in the Christian Care community that takes in homeless veterans is one of his ways in helping to look after them.
The little boy shared his plans to donate again or spend his precious time by volunteering to the veteran community.
Nathan may have spent all of the money he diligently saved from his allowances, but his heart sure is full of happiness knowing that he was able to help other people.
“It feels good to know that I have helped someone who needs it more than me.” Nathan happily shared.
Watch the video below and be inspired to emulate Nathan’s kindhearted deed. The little kid may still be young but his big heart sure proves that no one is too young to make a big difference; No one is too young to do great things!
Photos and Video | CBS CHICAGO