Noah helps out Shrewsbury''s homeless
While most young boys dream of football and Transformers one kind-hearted eight-year-old sacrificed his Christmas and birthday money to help homeless people after seeing how many people were sleeping rough.
Noah Payne, who lives near Minsterley, Shrewsbury, saved up £70 to make 20 “blessing” bags for homeless people which contain useful items like underwear, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes as well as treats like sweets and cakes.
He even remembered to help their canine friends too with 20 bags containing dog food.
Noah and his parents, Ben, 40, and Clare, 41, handed over the bags to the charity Shrewsbury Ark.
“I was so sad when I saw homeless people out in the freezing cold when we were shopping in Birmingham,” said Noah, a pupil at Hope, Westbury and Worthen – a federation of Church of England schools. “I couldn’t believe they didn’t have their own homes. I asked my mummy and daddy if I could help and we made the bags.
“If everyone did a little bit to help, the world would be a better place and homeless people’s lives would be a little better.”
His mum, Clare, helped him make the bags which all have a tag that reads 'From Noah'. Parents and staff at the school also donated items.
“I’m so proud of my little boy for giving up his own money for such a worthy cause,” said Clare. “We were really happy to help him and we are so grateful for the local donations too.”
The Shrewsbury Ark will now give the bags to service users and will keep Noah updated about the difference they make.
Manager Tim Compton said: “The success of the Ark is dependent on the support of the local community, and the many individuals that share our concern for those most in need in society. What Noah has done is a reminder of the compassion around us, and his very thoughtful and generous donation is greatly appreciated, not only by us, but by those we seek to support.”
