The COVID-19 outbreak has the nation on edge, but a 7-year-old Maryland boy is hoping to ease fears in his community with a simple act of kindness.
Using $600 of his own money, Cavanaugh Bell stocked up on the essential items used to fill 65 of what he calls “COVID-19 Care Packs” for local senior citizens, according to Fox 5 DC.
With the cash, which the first-grader saved up from three Christmases and two birthdays, Bell was also able purchase more than two dozen hot meals from nearby restaurant Buca Di Beppo. He not only wanted to help those in need, but also support businesses impacted after Gov. Larry Hogan ordered all nonessential businesses to close.
The little boy said it was his grandmother who inspired the gesture.
“My grandma is my best friend,” he told the station. “She walks to the grocery store every day, so I thought, ‘She shouldn’t be walking to the grocery store, because it’s coronavirus season.’ I decided to make care packages for the senior citizens that live there, to make them feel safe.”
Bell, who founded his own anti-bullying nonprofit called Cool & Dope, said it feels good to help others. When he was 5 years old, the pint-sized philanthropist suffered constant teasing at school, to the point where he developed “a darkness inside” and struggled with suicidal ideations. His mom encouraged him to cope with it by launching a campaign focused on spreading nothing but love and positivity.
“It makes me feel special, because I really like giving back,” Bell said. “I really like getting donations so I can give care packages to senior citizens, or give them hot meals.”
Bell’s generosity didn’t stop there. Last Thursday, he also helped to feed 90 local students in need of a meal, according to the outlet.
“It makes me feel good inside,” he added.
Watch more in the video below.
