How many 8th graders do you know who are committed to making the world a better place?
Well, Trey O’Neil is not like other 8th graders. For Trey’s 8th grade service project at the Westtown School in West Chester, PA, he knew what he wanted to do. Growing up with a single mother, Trey always understood the importance of empowerment and independence for single moms. He wanted his project to help single mothers who are striving to take care of their families.
Trey sleuthed online for an organization that matched up with his goal, and he discovered a perfect match in WIT. He set up a GoFundMe page online and put donation boxes at his school and church for toys, toiletries, and sanitary products for our clients. He originally set out to raise $1,000. Instead, his page went a little viral and raised $2,750 towards essential items for WIT clients and their families.
“I can’t believe it!”
“I started this campaign with the goal of raising 1,000 dollars and I am about to close it, and we are closer to 2,600 dollars,” read the update on Trey’s GoFundMe page. “I can’t believe it! This is so great. I am excited to go shopping for the moms and kids at WIT.”
Trey and his mom Shannon met with WIT staff to decide how the money could best be used by our organization. They then bought dozens of backpacks and games for teens in WIT’s Emergency Placement Program, and came back to WIT’s office to set up a PlayStation for our Play Care room.
Because of donors like Trey, WIT is able to empower our clients to attain safety, equality, and justice. At just 14 years old, Trey is making a substantial difference in the lives of WIT’s clients and their children.
If you are inspired to organize a fundraiser on our behalf like Trey, please email donate@helpwomen.org.