‘Tis the season—our 6th to be exact.
This is for those interested in donating to a cause with an immediate impact you’ll get to witness.
This year’s annual holiday family giving goes to an older gentleman and his boy: Walter, 59, and his bright, active 9-year-old son Malik.
The single dad was a learning coordinator at PYC Arts and Technology High School in Minneapolis and ran after-school programming.
He told me, “That’s where I was dubbed the ‘Pied Piper of children,’ getting 100 alternative school kids to participate after school!”
Then he sent me this video of these students helping maintain a Twin Cities park:
From 2011, watch the video here:
Following this, though, the health problems began: A severe injury sustained from a student fight required numerous surgeries, a battle with cancer, and now, upcoming hip replacements, which have all sidelined Walter from work for some time.
So things are tight right now for him and Malik.
But just as the photos exemplify, the spirit remains strong in this family.
I’m collecting Christmas gifts, food, and other donations to brighten Walter and Malik’s holiday.
I’ll be meeting folks with donations in the Twin Cities metro area from December 1-13. If you're interested in helping, email me at brandon@theperiphery.com to make arrangements.
If you’re not in the area, or would just like to contribute cash, a friend of the organization just started his birthday fundraiser on Facebook for our 501c3 nonprofit.
All donations made between now and Dec. 13 will go to Walter and Malik.
Like with previous years’ families…
…I’ll also sit down and capture this year’s family story.
On our call, Walter shared about his other work: a BBQ food service.
“I’ve always worked hard to get what we need.” said Walter. “I now have to set aside my pride and ask for help, so we can get back to where we were in life.”
Thank you for your support of my work, which has allowed me to help collect donations for this family (and previous years' families)!
Walter said he’s doing his best to care of his health from their humble apartment and to raise Malik, “into a fine young man, as he now is getting off to an excellent start!!”