Oldham School First Grader Kai Reed motivated by Hope and Faith Drive to help Homeless:

He Organizes "Backpacks" for Homeless

By Bob Rodericks

Previously The Reporter featured a story in which city school maintenance worker Carl Sweeney and his family began an effort three years ago which they have named the “Hope and Faith Drive.” Almost four years later the Sweeny’s have provided food, goods and services for over 20 families in need each month. The effort continues to grow. Many of the groups' donations and helpers come from city schools and civic organizations. Local schools host food drives, parties and other efforts to donate food and money. The latest is a current effort by Kai Reed, a first grader at the Oldham Elementary school in Riverside. "Kai is truly an amazing boy with a desire to help others," Carl Sweeney recently told The Reporter. "I was blown away by his emotions and caring," he added.

Kai Reed has organized a fundraising effort for homeless individuals. In order to do this, 7 year old Reed has set up a table in his school with backpacks. His goal is to fill several backpacks with supplies that would benefit homeless families. Elaine Allen, Oldham Principal and schools Superintendent, Kim Mercer are big supporters of the effort. Reed has hung posters around Oldham School and his fellow students and school staff have been bringing in items for the backpack project. "Kai and his mom have been working together to find ways to collect supplies as well as raising some money. Sweeney recently met with the Reeds in their home. "Kai's eyes just light up when he talks about ways to help the homeless. He has so many ideas," said Sweeney.

Kai has specific suggestions for ways in which people can donate: "I would like to get backpacks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bottled water, small blankets, socks, first aid supplies, and other items," suggests the 7 year old volunteer. He even suggests a place where people can go to get some of these items. "It seems that Kai and his Mom take trips to the dollar store to acquire many of these goods," Sweeney relates. "The dollar store has canned tuna, crackers, clothes and lots of needed things," states Kai's Oldham School flyer. "Kai also wants to help our Hope and Faith summer food pantry this summer," said Sweeney.

According to the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, there are just under 5,000 homeless persons in Rhode Island. "These figures do not include others who might be considered to be homeless, including those sleeping out of doors or those involuntarily doubled-up with friends or family," states the homeless watchdog group. The Oldham effort seeks to help people seriously in need of help as well as the traditional homeless. "If anyone knows of a company or anyone willing to help, let us know!" asks Reed and his Oldham classmates and school staff. Oldham School is located at 60 Bart Drive in Riverside (the former Meadowcrest School). Their phone number is 401-433-6209. Volunteers are hoping to complete the backpack project before school closes for the summer.