“He could’ve used the money for something else, but he decided to do something to help other people,” said Dayna Guerra, Olmos Elementary School teacher. “For a third-grader, for anyone, it’s very impressive.”
Jaden Ortiz-Lopez is paying it forward one bottle of water at a time. After school and on the weekends, he spends his free time selling water bottles to friends, family and neighbors for one dollar apiece. The money is going toward Olmos’ Hero Squad Program, which raises funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The program is also known as Pennies for Patients.
So far, Jaden has raised $101 and he has no plans of slowing down. When asked why he’s working so hard to give back to others, Jaden said he simply wants to help.
“I feel like I like to help people who need help. It makes me feel good. I just want to keep helping others. I want to lift up others.”
Guerra, Jaden's teacher, says she’s incredibly proud of his heart for others and commitment to a worthy cause.
“This was all him,” said Guerra. “His mom told me he went out and sold water bottles door to door, anywhere they want. I’m proud to know that parents are instilling those values in their kids to work for things because that’s what we try to teach him here. He knows that already. I’m really proud.”
Thank you, Jaden, for showing how #NEISDcares.
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