Gary boy raises awareness, $1,000 for NWI homeless
When 8-year-old noticed problem, he wanted to help out
When Darnell Gaffney Jr., 8, noticed people asking for help outside a restaurant he frequents with his mom, the youngster had some questions.
Darnell said he had seen homeless people in Chicago but until then had not noticed there were people without homes in Merrillville where he lived.
“It made me sad,” he said.
But instead of just thinking about the situation, Darnell decided to take action. He told his mom, Alisha Gaffney, he wanted to take some of the money he had been saving to purchase a Play Station 5 to make a donation to help.
“I told my mom I wanted to donate,” Darnell said.
His mom was on board, going a step further to help her son up his $100 donation to $1,000 by sharing his intentions on social media. She posted a video of Darnell talking about how he wanted to raise money to help.
“I was so touched by my son wanting to help others. I knew they we had to help him see this through,” Gaffney said.
As the duo watched donations come in, Darnell quickly reached $500. After a couple more weeks, another $500 had rolled in. Gaffney said the fundraiser was up for about two weeks.
“It made me feel happy to donate $1,000,” Darnell said.
The future third grader at Aquinas Catholic Community School in Merrillville chose Grace Beyond Borders in East Chicago to benefit from his efforts. Grace Beyond Borders supports the homeless and those impacted by drug addiction in Northwest Indiana and Chicago. June 1 the pair went to facility to present a check.
“We took a tour and saw the different areas where the money is going,” Gaffney said.
Marcus Martin, executive director of Grace Beyond Borders, has been following the campaign online and was excited to meet Darnell.
“I was so impressed by his passion and maturity. He’s so young, yet he already understand the importance of helping those in need,” Martin said.
Darnell shared his thoughts after presenting the check.
“Always be kind to others,” he said.
Even though the fundraiser had ended, as Darnell’s story spread, more donations were made in his name to Grace Beyond Borders.
“We thank the Gaffneys and everyone who participated in this fundraiser to help our invisible neighbors, and may God bless you all,” Martin said.