FALCON – One little boy’s mission to bring Christmas gifts to military families started out as a small venture, but this year, he’s taking it to a whole new level.
12-year-old Isaiah Berberette has been buying Christmas gifts for children in need for almost half his life!
When he first started out, he collected a little more than a hundred dollars.
“It’s kind of hard to believe because I was seven when I started,” he said.
Along with his team of volunteers, he’s out at the corner of Eastonville and Tompkins Road offering treats like hot chocolate and cookies in exchange for donations he’ll use to buy Christmas gifts for military families.
“I hope they feel really happy and just have a great Christmas,” Berberette said.
This year, he’s aiming to raise $2,018.
“[It’s] a lot of money but that’s his goal and he’s a very determined little boy,” Isaiah’s mother, Sara Berberette, said.
“I totally believe that we can do it!” Isaiah declared with optimism.
Already, he’s raised more than a thousand dollars.
“This community is amazing, they support him,” Sara added.
And they continue to show their support.
“I think it’s fabulous, me being a military brat and then also i’m ex-Air Force, so I think it’s very important to support the military families,” said Margaret Austin, who donated to the cause.
“It’s encouraging to see people come together to make a difference,” said Ben Foley, who stopped by for some hot chocolate.
“And to see that example led by kids is a really cool thing.”
It’s an example Isaiah hopes others will follow.
“I want other people to see what it’s like so that maybe they’ll want to do this one day, too,” he explained.
But for now, he’s counting on his community to help him reach his goal.
“I hope they’re gonna make it, I know they’re past halfway there now and it looks like a lot of people have come out today,” said Foley.
“I’m pushing for it, I hope they will make it and I think they will,” added Austin.
And he’s not stopping until “Operation Christmas Giving Back” is complete.
“I never quit,” Isaiah said, reassuringly.
“I will never ever quit. I will keep going and going.”
The whole team plans to be out there every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until December 15th.
Isaiah plans to deliver the toys he buys to Santa’s workshop on Fort Carson.
For more information you can visit their Facebook page here.
