Never too young

Graham Burns delivers water bottles he collected for unhoused individuals.

Nine-year-old Graham Burns recognized a need and made a difference. After watching a video about people purchasing food for unhoused individuals, Graham thought about similar ways to be involved. With guidance from mom, Mindy, Graham found a way to help the homeless.

Mindy went to JustServe.org to find a local way for Graham to help. She found several options but quickly ran into age restrictions—Graham was too young. “There were a lot of local organizations but most of them were not the right fit for a 9-year-old,” she said. Finally, she found a post about collecting reusable water bottles, stainless steel, glass or durable plastic. Graham was excited.

Graham made a colorful poster and got the word out. Mindy sent texts with Graham’s poster to friends and neighbors; Graham asked his baseball team and announced his project at church.

The response was immediate. “Everyone was happy to go through their stash of unused water bottles and purge for a good cause,” Mindy said. Graham collected water bottles from October through the first week of January. Mindy drove him around the community picking up donations. Some were dropped off at the Burns’ home in The Village at Castle Pines.

Any size or shape bottle was accepted; they just needed to be clean and in working condition.

Graham and Mindy loaded their car with all 133 donated water bottles and delivered them to the JustServe.org liaison in Parker, that connects with several organizations where they will ultimately be distributed. Some of the organizations are Colorado Health Network, Volunteers of America, Samaritan House and Urban Peak.

Graham was touched by the response and outpouring of help he received. His favorite part of this project was two-fold: seeing how many bottles were donated—even some “really nice ones or brand new and never used,” and the joy he felt knowing he helped others. “I liked it so much I want to do it again!” he enthused.

A fourth grader at DCS Montessori, Graham enjoys art and math as well as baseball, basketball and golf. He is obsessed with the weather app on his mom’s phone and wants to be a meteorologist when he grows up.

In his free time, Graham likes to use his 3D printer and play games on his iPad. To stay connected with his twin brothers and sister who live out of state, Graham plays video games with them: Rocket League with the brothers and Minecraft with his sister.

JustServe.org is a free website that connects volunteers with organizations in need of volunteers. Projects are searchable locally and usually offer a wide variety of in-person and virtual service opportunities. Volunteer needs include one-time events and on-going opportunities.