MEDINA, NY- This time of year we all give thanks for our abundant blessings. But recently, one second-grade student from Medina learned others might not be as fortunate as her, so she decided to do something about it. That's why 7-year-old Caliyah Boston is being recognized as one of "WNY's Great Kids."
Oak Orchard Elementary school second grade teacher Stacey Ali nominated Caliyah to be featured as a "Great Kid" on Channel 2, after she turned an emotional lesson in class into a project benefiting the community.
"She's definitely one of our little motherly students in here and she's caring for all the other students," said Mrs. Ali. "She's got a huge heart."
Mrs. Ali said she noticed Caliyah took a particular interest in a recent classroom conversation about homelessness. Caliyah went home to her mom with a question.
"I asked her did she pay her car payment and her house payment," Caliyah recalled.
Caliyah's mom, Karen Boston, replied that she had, and asked why her 7-year-old was curious about that.
"Because I didn't want to be homeless at all," she said to her mom.
Caliyah also asked her mom if she could do something to help the homeless in Western New York.
"So she talked to her mom and mom contacted me and asked what can we do and so we started with a little campaign in our classroom," said Mrs. Ali. "She started a little homeless box, and every day Caliyah worked on it bringing more attention to the students and they brought in items for the homeless."
"I collected blankets, food, toothbrushes," said Caliyah, who also used cash donations to buy more items. "We had about 27 bags in 3 cars."
Caliyah's mom and siblings drove those cars to deliver the items to a shelter in Buffalo, and they didn't stop there. They met up with Evette Phillips and her group of volunteers called We R Buffalo Strong, to help give out hot meals to the homeless. Caliyah also gave out cards made by her classmates.
"We gave them out and people just looked up and smiled. It made my heart really open up much more," said Caliyah.
Caliyah's mom said the collection and distribution really taught her children that it's better to give than receive. She hopes to continue the drive annually.