A few months ago Nelson’s Jeremiah Richichi approached his mother Rebecca with a troubling realization: there are some local children who will have to go without Christmas presents this year. He decided he would do something about that.
“Ever since Jeremiah has been old enough to talk you could see the kindness in him,” Richichi said of her seven-year-old son, who is approximately halfway to his goal of collecting 40 toys. “He’s a very thoughtful, caring kid who puts others first and this project he’s doing shows his true spirit.”
As part of the toy drive, Richichi created a Facebook page called Jeremiah & His Little Elves. Classmates have donated toys, and they are also being collected at his mother’s workplace, Nelson’s Florist and Baked Tanning, at 621 Vernon St. So far he’s already generated a lot of enthusiasm from classmates, and the community’s generosity has floored him.
“He’s getting quite a few gifts. They’ve been bringing them in and they’re piling up,” Richichi said. “The toys will be distributed to local shelters and churches who will make sure they’re placed with families in need.”
Donations will be accepted until Dec. 18.