Words by Smiley Team
A four-year-old boy was inspired to donate some toys to charity, thanks to the kindness of a stranger. He also learned the value in passing on toys to others to re-use, so they don’t have to buy new – saving money, and the environment.
Elena Leeming, a mum and entrepreneur living in North Yorkshire, explains that her four-year-old son, Clive, had asked for a toy car – while she didn’t want to say “no”, they came up with another way.
“We said if he wanted a car, he needed to sell some of his other toys,” says Elena. “So we went through some toys and I did a Facebook marketplace post with a rabbit he had.
“I wrote on the ad, ‘Selling for my boy who really wants a toy car (it could be second hand but he just wanted a remote control one)’. I also added that I would normally take it to the charity.”
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Two people replied to Elena – one said they would buy it, and the other said she wanted to give Clive £5 towards a car and all he needed to do was take his toys to the charity shop.
“I didn’t think she was serious but I gave her our address and two hours later, she dropped the envelope with a lovely note and £5 in it,” says Elena.
They immediately took the rabbit to the charity shop. “The next day we listed more toys,” says Elena, “and three people turned up and we raised a total of £29.”
Four-year-old Clive was then able to buy his remote control car, “and the next day, bought his dad and me coffees out with leftover money and also juice and sausage roll for his sister,” says Elena. “He was so proud to pay himself!”
Elena says she sent pictures and a big 'thank you' to the local woman called Serena, who made his day.
Have you witnessed a random act of kindness? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
