Tot Collects Toys For Katrina Kids
For many of Hurricane Katrina's youngest victims, there is little joy this Christmas. But The Early Show co-anchor Rene Syler introduces us to a most unlikely American hero: a 5-year-old Nebraska boy whose inspiring story shows how one small kid, with one big heart, can make an enormous difference.
Making sense of Hurricane Katrina's devastation may seem overwhelming but through the innocent eyes of KJ Louis, the storm "squished the toys away."
KJ had an idea. He would gather toys from his home in Omaha and send them to needy families. A simple gesture, that struck a nerve.
After KJ's mom contacted several local stores, customers began donating toys, by the cartful. And before long, over 2,000 pounds of toys were collected and ready to be shipped to Cleveland, Texas, a small town near Houston that had just absorbed hundreds of Katrina evacuees when Hurricane Rita hit.
"Cleveland lost power for almost two weeks. We still got homes that are damaged, and people who have nothing," says Hugh Young, who is with "Somebody Cares America," a church group that is helping victims of both hurricanes.
"When you're just trying to survive, the last thing you're going to do is go out and buy is toys," says Young. "And what's happening this year with all these hurricane victims is they're having to pick between giving their kids the fantasy and the dream they look forward to all year, Christmas morning, or food!"
It's a choice some families in Cleveland no longer have to make: there are presents this year, lots of them.
KJ came to Texas to see first hand the impact that one child's vision can have on others.
The Ottis family had evacuated New Orleans and their message was simple: thanks to KJ for giving them, and many others, a Christmas.
"Well it probably would be a bit different for a lot of people without the kindness and giving from KJ," says Byron Ottis, Sr.
Most of the presents will remain wrapped, at least until Christmas. But some were a bit hard to wrap, like a bicycle that KJ helped deliver to Ottis' granddaughter Byroneisha.
What had been such a dark season for these children has suddenly become brighter. And KJ's reaction?
"It was just awesome!" he says.
"KJ just wanted to help a few kids. It turned into a lot," says Young. "It's neat to know that people still care, people still have an open heart to do something. But it takes a five year old sometimes to open us up."
While KJ enjoys giving, he did not leave Texas empty handed.
"We're recognizing you as a champion of compassion," said Belinda Thacker from "Somebody Cares America," as she presented him with a plaque.
KJ's idea to bring toys to hurricane victims inspired a lot of people in Omaha. Aside from those who gave toys, a local trucking company donated all the shipping costs, and local businesses chipped in to fly KJ and his mom, so he could see the faces of the children he helped.