The holidays are a fantastic time to share your abundance!
Jonathan Werner of Minnesota wanted to conduct some philanthropic work as a Boy Scout, so he explored ideas with his parents to aid their town. Steven Kolk, Jonathan’s father, told him about growing up in the foster care system until he was adopted at the age of 12, and how painful it had been not to get anything at Christmas.
“I was in foster care from the time I was five until [when] I was approximately twelve, so about seven years of my upbringing, and I don’t recall my Christmases ever being really great until after I was adopted,” Steven told GMA. “Having him execute a job like this and knowing that where I was those years, I could have had someone like [Jonathan] would have been incredibly remarkable.”
Jonathan planned to gather funds through the Boy Scouts’ annual popcorn fundraiser, then use his reward money to buy gifts for children in foster care and shelters.
The 12-year-old set immediately to work on drafting the ideal speech about his financial ambition. He must be a natural salesperson since he sold $56,000 in popcorn for his group! This year, like in previous years, he utilized his half of the prize money to buy gifts for children who may not otherwise receive anything for the holidays.
Jonathan spent roughly $11,300 this year on 600 gifts for 138 children in four Minnesota counties. He collaborated with social workers to fulfill children’s wishlists while also ensuring they had all of their personal care requirements.
Jonathan says he’s grateful for the opportunity to make other children’s Christmases brighter, and he’s learned a lot in the process.
“I’ve definitely learnt a lot throughout the course of this,” he remarked. “I’ve learnt financial management. I’ve also learnt other stuff of such type. It also makes me very glad to know that youngsters who would otherwise go without a Christmas are now having one because to my effort.”
Naturally, his parents are overjoyed with their son’s big heart and strong work ethic.
We admire how Jonathan expanded on an existing fundraising event to help his community! In our opinion, his unselfish gifts make him a real-life Santa Claus!
