Amid the coronavirus pandemic, a first-grader in Gaithersburg, Md., used money he saved up to help those in need as a way to overcome fear with acts of love.
Cavanaugh Bell spent $600 of his own money, saved up from two birthdays and three Christmases, to purchase and package 65 “COVID-19 Carepacks” along with 31 hot meals from a local restaurant, Buca Di Beppo, to serve to senior citizens and help the local businesses impacted by being closed after Gov. Larry Hogan shut down restaurants.
“What’s up guys! I’m at Target,” Cavanaugh said in a video for his supporters. “Thank you for your donations, and look at all the stuff we got.”
He filled several shopping carts with food and a bottle of bleach to hand out to seniors. One responded, “Oh, thank you, sweetie!”
The 7-year-old added in another video, “Don’t forget our senior citizens. They need to eat, too.”
Cavanaugh started a non-profit called “Cool and Dope” with the mission to “eradicate all bullying and youth suicide through political and social action by his 18th birthday — that will be Nov. 20, 2030.”
He became a philanthropist and anti-bullying activist after he was bullied to the point of having suicidal thoughts. He was 5 at the time. His mom encouraged him to counteract his experience by creating a movement to spread positivity and love.