An eight-year-old boy inspired to help others has donated food and toys to the Salvation Army to support those in need.
Dexter Holton, a pupil at St George’s School in Semington, organised an appeal to collect toys and food after being inspired by a Christmas project he helped his mum with when he was five years old. He launched the campaign through his school, creating posters and rallying support from classmates and staff.
“About six weeks ago at the breakfast table, Dexter asked if we could run a full appeal again this year,” explained his mum, Jenn Holton.
“We discussed it and his sheer determination to run it himself couldn’t be ignored, so I suggested he try to do it through his school. He wrote a project brief and took it to his headteacher, who agreed to support it. Dexter came straight home and created a poster and he was off! By the next day we were collecting things and he was telling everyone he could about it.”
After weeks of hard work, Dexter delivered the donations to the Salvation Army in Chippenham.
“He absolutely smashed it,” Jenn said. “The Salvation Army was fantastic – they made him feel a million dollars with a big round of applause. I left with an eight-year-old boy who was absolutely buzzing about what he’d achieved.”
Impressed by Dexter’s efforts, the Chippenham branch of the Salvation Army has invited him to become an official collector next year.
“He’s already full of ideas to make it even bigger,” Jenn added. “Thank you to the Salvation Army in Chippenham for supporting him.”
“I am so incredibly proud of his selfless determination to help others. It shows you how one act of kindness can continue to pay forward for years to come.
“When you can, be more like Dexter and show others some kindness. It’s amazing what it can do.”
Pictured: Dexter and a member of the Salvation Army
