3-year-old sobs over plight of Anchorage's homeless

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Underneath a Christmas tree in Anchorage, Alaska, dozens of gifts await -- bundles of socks, a pile of coats and blankets, hats and more.

CBS affiliate KTVA reports how Patrick, the oldest of Destinee McClung's two young sons, from Anchorage, Alaska, proudly claims none of these gifts as his own. Instead, the presents are for the community's homeless population to have, and Patrick's to give to them.

"It's for all the people, and they don't have homes," the 3-year-old explained. "And they're very cold."

A few weeks ago, Patrick overheard his mom talking with someone about the local homeless population.

"Patrick said, 'Mama, did you say there are people who don't have houses?'" his mom recalled to KTVA. "And I said, 'Yeah, you know, sometimes people just don't have homes.'"

McClung said when Patrick heard that some of the homeless population spend their nights outside in the cold, sleeping on cardboard, he began to cry. A video McClung posted on her Facebook page shows Patrick in tears, trying to speak through sobs.

"I don't want them to sleep on a piece of cardboard," he said.

McClung said she had never seen Patrick react that way to anything.

"He's 3, and everyone he knows has a house and has food and has toys," McClung explained. "And so it really genuinely hurt his heart to kind of realize that there are people that go without."

But when Patrick learned there was a way he could help the homeless, he sprung into action.

He and his mom made signs -- calling for socks, cold-weather gear, diapers, toiletries and other items -- and set up boxes around town so others could donate to Patrick's passion project, KTVA reports.

But that's not all -- Patrick also started volunteering at a local soup kitchen.

"Patrick helps out with desserts," McClung said. "Then he stands there and hands out the desserts and talks to the people."

In a matter of weeks, Patrick and his mom had received seven garbage bags full of donations -- and they keep coming, McClung said, adding that even their out-of-town friends have pitched in.

"I feel a little guilty that he's taken such a burden on himself," McClung said. "It's a little bit like, well, he's 3 -- I don't want him to feel like he has to face the whole world."

But at the same time, everyone can learn something from little Patrick.

"I'm so proud of him," McClung said. "I think a lot of us aren't looking to help. We just live our lives, we're just used to homeless people and all of the issues that are around us -- it's just normal."

But, she said, you don't have to be 3 years old to take action.

She urges everyone to take a note from Patrick -- just start with what moves your heart.

Patrick's homelessness project is still in need of donations, which can be dropped off at Whole Family Chiropractic in Anchorage, 600 E. 36th Ave. All items will be donated to area homeless shelters.