United States of America

Taylor Graham & Phoebe - Little Food Bearing Angels

By Award News Group (Originally in English) 2009.10.18

With the dawning of a new Golden Era, more and more little angels have come to show the world ways of love and compassion. Our hero and heroine here are two such angels, who at their tender age have achieved a great deal in helping thousands of less fortunate in their community and inspired many more to join forces in building a heavenly earth.

“Whenever I do volunteer work, it makes me feel good, like a warm light turning on inside me.” - Taylor Graham

Receipt from Taylor Grant for Master’s US$4,200 contribution

Taylor Graham of Florence, Oregon, USA, was seven years old when he noticed homeless people on the streets on his way home from church with his family. Feeling a sudden urge to help, an idea just “came out of the blue.” Taylor’s flash of inspiration was to raise funds for the local food share by selling used books. Now, his annual “Read for the Needy” campaign consists of two consecutive fun fairs. First, he solicits used books from his local community using various media. He then sells the donated books after collecting and carefully sorting them. His efforts have resulted in the donation of over 20,000 books at a time! The proceeds from the book sale, augmented by contributions from local businesses and organisations, are used to buy groceries for the Florence Food Share in an entertaining shopping cart race in which local community members participate. Every year, these fundraising activities generate more and more money. Over the last four years, Taylor raised more than US$30,000 which was used to purchase over 40,000 pounds of food.

“My goal is really BIG” – Phoebe

Phoebe started her charitable endeavour at the age of five while still in pre-school. Upon seeing a person on the street with a sign asking for food, her gentle heart was touched deeply when her mother told her that not all are blessed with having enough food to eat. Determined to help, together with her teacher Ms. Albert, Phoebe embarked on an ambitious letter writing campaign to raise $1,000 for the San Francisco Food Bank as her community service project. Her innocent, touching letters moved many to chip in. Her “really big” goal was not only reached but exceeded by nearly three times. With tears of joy and overflowing happiness, she handed $3,736.30 to the Food Bank in July 2010. This money was converted into $33,626.70 worth of groceries after applying the Food Bank’s 9:1 mechanism supported by its impressive network of growers, packers, manufacturers, grocers and the USDA who all contributed generously. That’s enough for more than 17,000 meals!

Thank you letter from San Francisco Food Bank for Master’s US$4,000 contribution in honor of Phoebe’s fundraising project.

In recognition of these two youngsters’ altruistic spirit, as well as their inspirational, noble and creative endeavours which have generated a snowball effect of generosity in their community and beyond, Master conferred on each of them the Shining World Compassion Award. The Award was presented to Phoebe with an additional financial contribution of US$4,000 for her fundraising project on October 17, Golden Year 6 (2009), and to Taylor with a contribution of US$4,200 on October 18.

In response to Master’s gift, Taylor said, “Thank you so much for all that you have given me. Most people don’t go out of their way to give someone $4,200. I’m sure we will be able to buy food for a lot of people.”

We sincerely thank you Taylor and Phoebe, for your inborn purity and goodness which shine through your selfless service to those in need; for uplifting our world with your remarkable example of compassion and love in action. May the Heavens sing in praise of your graciousness, our little angels!

Reference:
http://www.tonic.com/article/five-year-old-donor-feeds-17971-people/