Middle School Student Gives from the Heart
Only 13 years old and still in middle school, Kerrington Williams is already a Salvation Army donor. He gives to other organizations too. He’s been doing this for so long he doesn’t remember when he started. Too young to work, his donations are portions of gifts he receives or sometimes he sells his clothes at a local flea market. He says he saves a third, spends a third, and donates the rest. When asked why he gives, his answer is simple, “I like helping others in need, so they don’t have to suffer.”
Kerrington is not surprisingly a good student and active in extracurricular activities—chess club, a member of the Young Men of Distinction, and he plays soccer—something he hopes he can do professionally someday.
His mom Deirdra beams with pride when she talks about her son who she describes as a “little jokester”, quick to laugh and always a good helper. Deirdra says she and Kerrington’s dad have always tried to impress on him the importance being a part of the community and helping others.
“We are truly our brother’s keeper, and we are a village and his dad and I both have been surrounded our whole lives by a village. It’s important for us to instill that same concept as Kerrington navigates life. It’s not that he has everything, he does not, but I think it’s important for him to pause and recognize that even if he doesn’t have everything, he has what he needs and sometimes he can be of help and offer to others, so they have what they need as well.”
Mom and dad’s guidance clearly stuck. When asked what advice he would give to other young people about giving Kerrington answers, “Remember how blessed you are and think of other people who don’t have as much as you and think about how you can make their world a better place.”