Chicago 5th Grader Collecting Toys For Disaster Victims, Homeless Children
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Santa is getting some big help from a little elf in Chicago this Christmas. A South Side 5th grader is collecting toys for disaster victims in the south and homeless children right here Chicago.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports on why a grade school student joined Santa's team.
"It's just that helping other kids is what I like to do," said 11-year-old Samuel Love.
Love started doing this three years ago, after being moved by Superstorm Sandy.
"I get a lot for Christmas and some kids who got affected by Sandy they wouldn't get anything," he said.
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In 2012 Sam collected 800 toys for the victims of Sandy. Last year, he sent 2,000 toys to the victims of flooding in Lyons, Colorado. The goal this year, 2000 toys for the kids affected by the tornados in Arkansas and 500 for homeless children in Chicago's Englewood community.
"He's been brought up in the church so he understands the real reason for the season," said Victor Love, Sam's father.
It's a lesson he's passing on to his friends and classmates at Beasley who are helping to fill boxes with toys.
Samuel is still collecting toys until December 22. You can drop off toys and donations at the following locations:
- Studio Movie Grill, 210 W. 87th Street, Chicago.
- Studio Movie Grill, 301 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton.
- Beasley Academic Center, 5255 S. State, Chicago.
- Josephine's Restaurant, 436 79th Street, Chicago.
- NBC Chicago, 454 N. Columbus, Chicago.
