Schoolgirl starts festive crusade to support shelter
While most children will be excited about opening gifts from under the tree this Christmas, one little girl is looking forward to delivering presents to a homeless shelter.
Grace Brown, 10, has been lovingly preparing a collection of care packages for visitors to the Maidstone Day centre in Knightrider Street.
The Park Wood Holy Family Catholic Primary School pupil has so far made 14 boxes packed with both food and sweet treats as well as useful items like tooth brushes, warm socks, and combs.
The youngster hasn’t stopped there though, she’s been encouraging her school friends to join in with a presents box outside her classroom while her mum and grandmother have received donations from co-workers.
“I see lots of people on the streets and I feel bad I have a home and they don’t,” she said.
Her Christmas care package project is not the only way the generous youngster wants to help those without a home.
She added: “I started doing this about three months ago but I help homeless people on the streets when I’m not doing this.
“I buy them water and sandwiches and if they have a dog I buy them dog food too,” she explained.
So devoted to putting a roof over people’s heads, Grace wants to one day start her own charity providing free housing to rough sleepers.
“We’re really proud of her,” said mum-of-two Kelly. “I don’t know where she gets it from. Bless her but she’s done really, really well, especially for her age - she’s got great empathy.”
Grace and her mum are urging anyone who wants to help to donate to the day centre themselves too.