One Midlands fourth grader is helping bring warmth to those in need during the holiday season.
Help comes in many different ways.
Willow Spence is a fourth grader at Riverbank Elementary. She's made it her mission to help bring blankets to the homeless.
“Some people need that help. I'm going to help them stay warm so they can be warm on Christmas because I know that they're not going to have a family to spend it with," said Willow.
This isn’t the first time Willow has thought of doing something like this. Not too long ago, she and her church were able to collect over 34 blankets to give out to the homeless at Finlay Park and around Downtown Columbia.
Mary Koon, the school's guidance counselor, says Willow brought the idea to start a blanket drive.
"Single-handedly, she’s making a great difference. The blankets started pouring in. Some of them are brand new. Some of them are off of our couches at home. People have responded in any way that they can. We have over 50 blankets here," explained Koon.
Although Willow is so young, she's proven you can make a difference no matter what age you are.
"Not only does it meet a basic need, but it meets a human need where they see our children, our future, taking notice of what our community needs and then acting on it," said Koon.
Willow says her favorite part is seeing the smile it brings to people’s faces when they receive the blankets they need. She’s just happy she can make a difference in someone else’s life.
"People just say that I have a really, really big heart. They just say that if I keep doing what I'm doing, this world would be so much a better place," said Willow.
Willow and her family plan on giving out the blankets at Finlay Park and around Downtown Columbia throughout the holiday season.