James
Congratulations to James, our very first Junior Ally!
When we first posted Jenny's Allies looking for people wanting to help out, 10-year old James immediately responded to our notice about a school in Orlando, Florida that needed books. A teacher wrote to us saying she had some very bright students at an alternative school for at-risk youth, but no budget for books. James offered to send books that he had been collecting for kids at the Children's Hospital. His mother must be very proud.

We thought we would share James' touching letter with you...

"Hello Jenny, My name is James. I am 10 years old and I have been collecting Brand New Teddy Bears and Brand New Books for the kids who have to be admitted into the Children's Hospital. While I am collecting only brand new items, because that is all that the
Hospital can accept for the children, I have recieved many gently used
children's books. I was wondering if they could be used by the kids
in Orlando. My Mom says that if they can use them we will get them
there. I like to do things for other kids. Besides if you help out a
kid, and you make a little difference in their life then maybe they
will be more likely to do that for someone else. And kids have their
whole life to do it. I think grownups should take kids more seriously
because we can make a big difference when we have a chance. It is
very late and I have to go to bed now. Good Night. Thank you.
James"

Febraury 13, 2008
Here's that latest email from James...

"Hi Damon,
I have some good news! I didn't have that many middle school level books so I got in touch with some of my friends and we are going to collect as many as we can and then I will send them to the teacher in Orlando for her students. I'll keep you posted.
Bye,
James"

March 24, 2008
Well the books finally got to the teacher in Orlando and James will be sending more. Meantime, here is more on this terrific little guy that was sent by his mom...
"After watching the horrors (of Hurricane Katrina) unfold on TV, James and his younger siblings made signs; hung them from their little red wagon and sat in front of the local grocery store. They collected $180.00 for Habitat for Humanity. James and his school friends collected Holiday outfits and toys for the Gulf Coast's young hurricane victims. They collected over 400 toys and outfits. James arranged the project and his friends jumped aboard 100%. Feed the Children agreed to deliver the boxes to the Gulf Coast if they could get the boxes to the Feed The Children depot, some 3 hours away. So we called around until we could find a van large enough to haul the boxes and a company generous enough to donate part of the costs. Then James and his Dad drove the van full of donations to the depot.

The following year he began his bears and books campaign for the Children's Hospital. For every single donation he receives he writes and sends a hand-made (made by himself, his little sister, and little brother), thank you card. He is up to somewhere near 400 bears and 500 books. We are in the process of arranging a drop off at the hospital. When that happens I will take some pictures and send them to you as well. I am tremendously proud of James for every aspect of his little life, this is only one part. I am equally proud of his younger siblings who help him out whenever they are needed just because he is their older brother and they love him."

Click here to email James your congratulations!

2/08: Jenny wrote... "James, I'm sure your mom knows how special you are and now we all know. You're a role model for kids everywhere."

2/08: Damon wrote... "Way to go, James. I can only imagine how much good you're going to do in your life. You're an inspiration to us all."

2/08: Joe wrote... "James way to go, yes one person can make a difference no matter what their age is."

2/08: Patti wrote... "I think you are GREEEEEAAAAAT!!!!! But then again I always did because you are a nephew I sure can be proud of and always have been!"

2/08: Carolyn wrote... "Wow! I am so proud of you and of your kindness and generosity! A lot of people talk about helping others but not enough put in the time and effort to do so. I'm glad that you're one of the special ones! Love, Aunt Carolyn"

2/09: Liz wrote... "Way to go James. Just the thought that you started this project on your own even before Jenny's Heroes came on the scene, is amazing. Your family must be very proud. You're a real inspiration."

2/09: Carolyn wrote... "I'm so proud of you! What an awesome kid! You have such a kind heart! It's really great that you go out of your way to think of others!"

2/09: Lillian wrote... " Good job. You are a true hero, especially at an early age. Congratulations James. Love, Lillian, Ed and Makenzie"

2/09: Terry wrote... "Congratulations James, you have a wonderful heart and seem to be wise beyond your young years. You are an inspiration in this world where too few consider the needs of others. Thank you so very much."

2/09: Kristina wrote... "Good work, James. :-)"

2/13: Cheri wrote... "You rock James!! Amazing... you touch so many peoples lives in ways they will never forget...what an amazing gift. I love what you wrote about kids helping other kids-I like that "pay it forward" kind of attitude!!"

2/13: Oma wrote... "There are just not enough words to tell you how very proud I am of you, not just now, but for the last 10 years. So you keep on being my James, just the way you are, and I"ll keep on being proud of you, and above all... loving you."

2/21: Miss Potts wrote... "What you are doing is FANTASTIC! We can’t wait to receive our books! Hopefully my students will follow your lead and continue to help others! You are an inspiration!"

2/27: Josie wrote... "James, we are so very proud of you and we are honored to call you our friend. Keep up your incredible work. We will pass along some of our gently used books to you soon. We love you Danielle, Gabri, Michael & Josie"

3/12: Julie A. wrote... "Hi James, I enjoyed reading your letter to Jenny Jones. What a kind gesture of goodwill, James. Congratulations! I am sure that you teach others about kindness often, and now adults are listening to you. : ) You are so right, that "if you help out another kid, and you may be making a difference in their life, and then maybe they will be more likely to do that for someone else." How wonderful to know that you have your WHOLE life, starting now, to be able to make a difference to somebody else's life. Kudos to you."

4/23: Anthony wrote... "Wow, little guy, you have such a BIG heart!... You are so cool for what you are doing."