With only a few days to go, he was still a bit short of his goal. But no worries, as one Lafayette 7th grader turned up his efforts to provide assistance for Lafayette's homeless population.
Socks, socks, and more socks, collected by Our Lady of Fatima 7th grader Ben Vaussine. When last week's Spirit of Acadiana aired, he had rounded up about 500 pairs of socks.
And then we move to this week. Today, Tuesday, Ben's final tally is....1,062.
And how? How did Ben ramp up his sock collection in only a few days? Well, the credit would be to people like you - folks who heard Ben's message and wanted to help.
"I'm pretty sure it's thanks to the interview. A lot of people saw it, one day I'm at school and they just said, 'Ben, we've got two giant trash bags of socks' some person just randomly came and blocked them off. And whoever that was, 'thank you'," Ben said.
Ben and his mom Mandy unloaded those 1,062 pairs of socks at Catholic Charities of Acadiana. Needless to say - but we'll do it again anyway - Mandy is as proud as proud can be.
"This kid has just taken it and run with it, and I've shed so many tears this past week, because he's brought so much joy to my heart with what he's doing."
Catholic Charities will make these new socks available to the homeless via its Stella Maris facility. Community Engagement Coordinator Sarah Bacquet is dazzled by what Ben and other young people are doing to make this world a better one. Giving selflessly to those in need. Giving all they can for others.
"t's all that they have. Doing their chores, their labor or their service for the sake of others, they are giving all that they have and that is so inspiring to me."
So work and I was so impressed that I added one more pair to his amazing total. Great effort from a boy with an immeasurable heart.
So to recap....12-year-old Ben Vaussine. 1,062 brand new pairs of socks.
Actually, 63, Ben reminds me.
Thanks, Ben. What were you doing when you were 12 years old?
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