The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Boy collects donations for people in need
At only 7 years old, Colin Metz spearheaded a donation drive that helped dozens of people in need.
He got the idea after watching a YouTube video of a homeless man being mistreated and said he wanted to do something to help.
“When I saw that, I walked away and went into my bedroom and started crying,“he said. “Then, I talked to my mom and told her I wanted to go out and give stuff to the poor.”
Colin’s mother, Colleen Brown Metz, said she contacted Annie Felice Kline of Little Annie’s Hope Train, a nonprofit organization that helps the homeless in Painesville, Cleveland and Akron, to find out what were the most requested items.
Kline said the most requested items are toilet paper, heavy duty socks, razors, blankets, canned goods and hand warmers.
“In the winter, the people who are living outdoors really appreciate the canned items that have the pull-tops, so that they can heat them over the fire out in the woods,” she said.
After finding out what things were needed, Colin contacted the principal of his school, Grant Elementary in Willoughby, about collecting donations to help the homeless and those who are less fortunate.
Colin developed a flier, organized a drive and began collecting donations.
“He really did it all,” Metz said. “He collected the stuff from the classrooms, he sent the fliers out, he communicated with the principal — he really spearheaded this.”
Metz, who is a teacher at Grant Elementary School, said she was inspired by Colin’s desire to help. She recently participated in a poverty simulation and wanted to give back, as well.
In addition to the generous support of Grant Elementary School’s students, staff and the community, the Willoughby Junior Women’s Club gave a large donation of hand warmers and new clothing, Metz said.
In collaboration with Kline, Colin distributed the nonperishable food, toilet paper, blankets, towels, clothing, backpacks and personal hygiene items to people in need at St. Mary Catholic Church in Painesville on Feb. 22.
St. Mary Church was offering hot meals at that time. So as people arrived for dinner, they were able to leave with essential items they needed.
Colin was overjoyed. He was able to personally give people bags of donations that he worked hard to collect. The recipients also were able to give him highfives, handshakes and hugs expressing their gratitude.
“I just feel so happy right now,” he said.
Through Little Annie’s Hope Train, Kline has been helping people in need for three years.
She recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Donald Trump for her charitable efforts.
Besides providing items for people in need, Kline also gives out laundry vouchers.
“They can take the voucher in and get a load of laundry washed and dried,” she said. “I also found a barber, Dapper Shave and Cut right across from the Fairgrounds (in Painesville Township) that accepts vouchers and gives out free haircuts.”
Since Kline was operating solely out of her garage, Plains Road Mini Storage in Mentor-on-the-Lake gave her a complimentary storage unit.
The community has been very supportive, she said.
Kline gives away these “survival bags” twice a week in Painesville.
Kline and Colin plan to work together again in the future, for Colin is full of ideas and has a heart to help.