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Never too young: The 5-year-old humanitarian

Posted: Monday, May 18, 2009 5:04 PM by Sarika Dani
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When it comes to toys, most 5-year-old kids are focused on acquiring more playthings – not giving them away.

But Riley Hebbard is a little different from most 5-year-olds. After seeing an Ann Curry report about children in Darfur, Riley decided to do something about the fact that the kids there have no toys to play with. So the enterprising youth started Riley’s Toys for Darfur. With drop-off locations in Mechanicsburg, Pa., the drive is taking off.

Riley’s mom, Rhonda Hebbard, says her daughter’s aim is for every kid in Africa to have a toy, so they don’t have to share.

Find more special reports from Ann Curry here. 

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What a remarkable little girl! To show such warmth and compassion at such a young age is beyond words. Parents must be so proud and by all means, should be.

With all the upsets and sadness in the world, it is so refreshing to see a story such as this.

Peg, warren,ohio (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 6:30 PM)

I love to see generosity bloom so young. May they encourage her to continue. While nice and thoughtful of the little girl, it seems to me, that children will make toys or games up so they can play. That is what they do best. However, children cannot create food, water, vaccinations, or education. These are the most important things we can help out with in 3rd world countries. Once their tummies are full and their brains are being filled with proper schooling, we can send them dolls, balls, and other toys.

Melissa in NorCal (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 7:16 PM)

Such an inspirational story.  

sweetgreatmom, Philly, PA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 7:35 PM)

We all could learn a lession from her. It's more blessed to give than to recieve.

Cindy Murphy, Holland Mi (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:30 PM)

it is the best thing in the world, to teach a child to be generous, and kind, and show compassion to people who have much less than they do.  Most kids in this county are spoiled by their parents, and are given much more material things than the parents can actually afford.

gepa (Sent Tuesday, May 19, 2009 9:18 AM)

This is a fantastic story! Her parents definatly taught her well and she desereves for the world to read her story. Way to go Riley! We need more kids like you :-)

Paige, Windham, ME (Sent Tuesday, May 19, 2009 10:02 AM)

Yes Riley is an amazing little girl and most definitely her parents should be proud! Your Cooper family in Maryland are incredibly proud of you!

Karen Cooper, Salisbury, MD (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 9:17 PM)

Your Arnold, MD family are so very proud of you. I have been to Africa and seen the joy that the children have when they receive gifts from those of us who have so much more.  The smiles that they will have upon receiving the toys will be felt by all that offer them. While most pictures show them with big sad eyes, I saw twinkling eyes that were so excited to be greeted by our loving eyes. Believe me, they will be HAPPY, ever so thankful, and will cherish these toys forever!  Way to go, Riley!!

Aunt Pat, Arnold, MD (Sent Thursday, May 21, 2009 7:06 AM)

My daughter Ashlee is 10 and created "Ashlee's Toy Closet" which she collects and distribute toys to children after disasters. She experienced a house fire in 05 and lost everything. She turned her loss into helping others. She has collected and distributed over 50,000toys. She was featured on Oprah 5-19-09 during the Real Heroes Segment. Who says kids are selfish. Kids flourish when supported and given the opportunity. We need to focus on the giving part of each child. Keep up the good work Riley and Ashlee said give her a call she will send you some toys!!!!!

Ericka Smith (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 12:27 AM)



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