Amazing Kids: Colton
Colton read “A Long Walk to Water” with his 7th-grade class, which coincided with studying Africa. It was hard for him to understand how people could still be getting sick in 2023 from drinking water. Colton knows what it’s like to live with health challenges, recognizing how much more challenging it would be not to have clean water hit his heart.
The school has participated in the Iron Giraffe Challenge (IGC) since 2017. But this year, the fundraising was going slow. After three weeks, the total raised was only $60. Colton took his inspiration from the book and sparked it into action. Focusing on local, small businesses—family-run shops, restaurants, real estate agents, insurance offices, doctor’s offices, and more—Colton wrote them a heartfelt request to help his class reach their goal. In just three days, he raised $1,000 to support his school’s fundraising!
Colton’s “general” email:
“My name is Colton. I am writing to you in a professional capacity asking for support. As you may or may not know, I am in 7th grade, and I have recently learned about the water crisis in South Sudan. I have rallied many local businesses and those who are the hands and feet in our community to help fundraise and help these people. I was very disappointed that the fundraiser had only raised $60 in the past couple of weeks. However, over the past 24 hours, the community has really responded to my support letters, and we are all going to meet the goal of $1,000.
I realize we have many needs here in our county. However, I cannot help but think if I were born in South Sudan, I would still be me. Only I would be a 12-year-old in great need.
If your business or family would be willing to donate, even just $1, to the IGC, which builds much-needed wells for kids like me, I would appreciate it. If not, then it is completely okay, and I trust your discernment on the matter. I know you may never see the fruits of this endeavor, but I feel God moving this community, and I know he will see. The link to give is below.”
Sincerely,
Colton
“I felt astonished and amazed that so many people supported me. Even if the donation was small, it felt great,” Colton shared.
Colton’s advice to people who want to support is quite simple, but he’s proven how effective it can be:
For kids: try to get your school involved. Ask people close to you or even strangers to donate. Educate yourself and write letters.
For adults: ask your colleagues to get involved. See if you have anything extra to share.
“I’m really proud of the leadership and initiative he took and the natural empathy he has for other people. He doesn’t need to “see” others to empathize with them. The fact that he was able to help others feel that same empathy and understand the issues happening, I’m really proud of that. After he raised the $1,000, I drove Colton to the small businesses and watched him talk to business owners and shake their hands. I was so proud of him and our community for all the support they provided.” ~Leigh Ann, Colton’s mom
Colton has taken high school classes since he was in sixth grade. He loves video games (Pokémon, Mario Kart, Roblox, Minecraft), playing tennis, and participating in the National Junior Beta Club. His favorite subjects are science and agriculture. ComicArt is his favorite me-time activity.
As the oldest of three, he is setting a beautiful example for his younger siblings. Beyond school and extracurricular activities, he’s also a Camp Ambassador at Victory Junction, promoting the camp specifically for children living with chronic illnesses and engaging in camp activities and events.
Colton wants to become a doctor, but he’s unsure where it will lead him. Living with his own chronic illness, he cares deeply about others’ health.
We are beyond impressed and inspired by Colton’s actions and leadership abilities. Thank you to Colton, his family, school, and community for supporting WFSS. You are all watering the seeds of change in South Sudan!
To contribute to Colton’s school fundraiser, click here.
