CENTRAL ONSLOW, N.S. — Allison Helfrich is a little girl with a big heart.
She realized just how big her heart was when making a trip to Truro’s homeless shelter in early November, dropping off a food donation with her mother Megon. Allison was saddened by the lack of Christmas decorations and presents for the homeless.
“I was wondering if they had any Christmas tree and presents,” said Allison. “They don’t have any presents – and they want chocolate for presents.”
And at just six years old, Allison set out to change this, after visiting the shelter with her mother Megon to deliver food.
Over the last three weeks, she has raised roughly $1,000 and counting in cash, gift cards and warm clothing for the Truro Homeless Outreach Society.
She wrote up her own donation letters and delivered it to people and businesses around Truro, asking for help.
One woman gave her a Christmas tree, so homeless people at THOS would have one come Dec. 25. Other items include hats, mittens and gloves.
Allison’s efforts are even more impressive, given that her original target was to raise $100 for THOS. She has now raised 10 times as much.
Her parents Anthony and Megon are as stunned as anyone.
“Oh my God, I can’t even explain,” said Megon. “It just makes me feel so happy that she’s willing at her age to help people out. We are definitely proud parents.”
The family are also deeply thankful to those people and businesses in Truro who have helped Allison meet and exceed her goal. Megon praised the “huge amount of support,” the Helfrich family have received.
Also giving thanks was Stephanie Watson, THOS’s volunteer co-ordinator and navigator.
“I think that’s absolutely phenomenal, a little bit jaw-dropping in a way, considering her age,” said Watson. “The community have been amazing.”
THOS will be celebrating Christmas with its clients on Dec. 25, together with volunteers and board members.
Meantime, the Helfrich family are still accepting both monetary and in-kind donations.
Donations can be made by calling 902-305-0891 or by emailing [email protected]. Bottles can be donated to Megon Helfrich’s account at the Subway Bottle Exchange in Bible Hill. It is located at 25 Pictou Road.
