An 8-year-old boy recently launched a campaign aimed at paying for lunches for underprivileged children, according to ABC News.
The campaign, called "Pay It Forward: No Kid Goes Hungry", conceived by a third-grader at Challenger Elementary School, has already begun to receive donations.
Cayden Taipalus' "heart of gold" has touched people all over the world. His mom, Amber Peters, told ABC News that nearly $7,000 worth of donations have purchased hot lunches for more than 300 students. She confirmed that they are also planning on reaching another 5,000 this week.
"I am so very proud of my son," Peters said in an interview with ABC News. "He is only 8 years old and to grasp the concept around this is just amazing in my eyes. He has a heart of gold."
Peters shared that her son, Cayden, was inspired to take on the project after seeing a student at his elementary school in Howell, Mich., struggling to pay for lunch.
Taipalus shared the story to his mother, saying that one boy was in line at the cafeteria buying lunch for himself. Upon reaching the counter, the little boy realized he didn't have any more funds on his lunch account. As a result, he was left with no other choice but to put down his hot lunch and leave the line.
The scene upset Taipalus.
Their attempts at helping underprivileged children started with recycling cans and bottles to raise money. Family and friends saw their effort on Facebook and wanted to help out as well. A few days later, the efforts and help from other people skyrocketed, with people from as far away as Hong Kong making donations.
Tiapalus personally delivers the money they are able to collect to each school before going to class in the morning. His first donation of $64 helped pay for the lunches of nearly 150 students, his mom shared.
