Stephen's Backpacks: The Generosity of a Child

At a time when all we've been hearing in the news, are stories of the greed of grown men and all they've been selfishly taking, this is the story of a young boy, his big heart and his generosity, "giving" to those who are less fortunate.

As we've all heard by now, several financial institutions and the auto industry have needed the help of the government to bail them out of their financial blunders. The big executives running these companies have only taken for themselves, living opulent lifestyles on huge bonuses, yet mismanaging the company's money, leaving them on the brink of bankruptcy. Then there are stories of the likes of Madoff and cohorts, using the Ponzi scheme to bilk billions of dollars from investor clients, including some charitable organizations, so that they could live a jet set lifestyle.

Thank God that not everyone is like that, or this world would truly be in such a sad and hopeless state. We've all heard the phrase "And a child shall lead the way". These big executives could certainly learn a few things from our children, a young autistic lad living in Alberta Canada in particular.

Stephen McPhee, a seven year old who resides in Airdrie Alberta, has been donating backpacks to homeless children for the last few years now. He started out with an idea, a generous heart and 15 backpacks in 2006. His idea would grow to 265 backpacks in 2007. This year his generosity and his dream has grown to 1000 backpacks, which him and his family, along with a growing number of volunteers, will be filling and handing out to needy children in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer (AB Canada). The family now has the attention and appreciation of their surrounding community, so I'm sure this will be an even bigger and more successful event next year.

The backpacks contain items such as warm mittens, socks, blankets, games, candy, hygiene items, and Stepen's favorite item, stuffed toys. The idea has grown to such an extent, that Stephen and his family have been given help and donations from both friends/neighbors and local companies such as Wal-mart. Stephen's one small act of kindness and generosity had started to snowball, that his family have even formed a legitimate charitable organization (Stephen's Backpack Society). They have set up a web site to help inform the public of their aspirations and goals for their charity in assisting others. Of course, any assistance in the way of donations from other caring people is very much accepted and appreciated.

This little boy's generosity has touched his mothers heart so much (with pride no doubt), that she has written a book about her son and his backpacks. The book is entitled "Dream Out Loud", a title which was inspired from her own son's words. After giving away his first 15 backpacks in 2006, he remarked that he wanted to give away even more the following Christmas. His words, "Mom, you've got to dream out loud" resonated within her own heart, and so the dream has grown, and continues to grow.

Nancy McPhee's book can be purchased from any Canada Safeway store in Airdrie Alberta or online at www.StephensBackpacks.com . All the proceeds from the book (that's 100% of the proceeds), will go towards the McPhee Family's second charitable cause, which is to pay first and last month's rent for one working family, needing assistance getting out of a homeless shelter and into a home of their own. The more money that they can bring in from the sale of the books, the more families they will be able to assist in this way. This is truly a touching story of a family with a heart as big as the Canadian horizon.

You can read more about Stephen, his family and their dream to help others at http://www.stephensbackpacks.com/ At a time when we hear of the hardships of so many, due to the decline of the economy, and when what you hear on the news is mostly "bad news", it's great to hear a heart-warming story such as this... where even a child knows that it's better to give than to receive.