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Virginia 6th-grader raises money to help feed kids during pandemic

Christian Willis, 12, is a sixth-grade student from Woodbridge, Virginia. (Courtesy Willis family)

As many families experience hard times during the COVID-19 pandemic, a sixth-grade student
from Woodbridge, Virginia, determined to help is having a major impact on kids in his community.

Christian Willis is 12 years old and his mom, Shante Willis, said he has been keeping up with how families have faced difficult times these past few months. So, he decided to step up.

“He independently ran everything himself, and I was just like really proud of him. To him, it’s like, a loaf of bread can get them sandwiches for a week,” Shante Willis said.

She said he began to raise money by calling everyone he knew. In all, Christian Willis collected $900 from family and friends. He decided to donate the money to House of Mercy in Manassas.

“I think it made him realize that he himself is making a difference,” his mom said.

As the need continues, she hopes to see more people consider making even a small difference. “It doesn’t take much — all you have to do is care enough to do it and actually do it,” she said.


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