Plains Road Mini Storage in Mentor-of-the-Lake, Ohio, has donated free use of one of its self-storage units to Little Annie’s Hope Train (LAHT), a nonprofit that helps the homeless in Akron, Cleveland and Painesville, Ohio. The organization previously operated out of the garage of LAHT founder Annie Felice Kline.
LAHT most recently benefited from a drive spearheaded by Colin Metz, a 7-year-old resident of Willoughby, Ohio. The child started collecting goods for donation after watching a YouTube video about the mistreatment of a homeless man. “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.”
The boy’s mother, Colleen Brown Metz, contacted Kline to ask what items her charity needs most. Her son then organized a donation drive at Grant Elementary School, where he attends and his mother teaches, to collect blankets, clothes, hygiene products and more. “He really did it all,” she said. “He collected the stuff from the classrooms. He sent the fliers out. He communicated with the principal. He really spearheaded this.”
In addition to donations from students, parents and teachers, LAHT received hand warmers and new clothing from the Willoughby Junior Women’s Club. The items were distributed to those in need on Feb. 22, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Painesville.
“I just feel so happy right now,” said Colin Metz, who handed out donation bags during the event. The church also provided hot meals during the giveaway.
Kline, who launched LAHT three years ago, recently received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from President Donald Trump for her charitable efforts, the source reported. Along with handing out the “survival bags” twice a week, she gives out laundry vouchers, and is now partnering with a barber at Dapper Shave and Cut to provide free haircuts.
Source:
The News Herald, 7-Year-Old Willoughby Boy Collects Donations for People in Need
