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Big-Hearted Boy Sells His Toys to Help His Out-of-Work Dad

by Sally Worsham (Subscribe to Sally Worsham's posts)
Jul 21st 2009 3:00PM

1Comments

Filed under: In The News, Toys, Amazing Kids, Tween Culture

Toys for sale; one boy sells his collection to help his family. CREDIT: Getty Images

After Tom McGuire, an unemployed contractor, had a serious discussion with his 11-year-old son Zach about the financial difficulties the family was enduring, the young boy thought about what he could do to help. His valuable asset? His toy collection. So, the Toledo, OH tween put up a big "Toy Sale" sign at the end of his driveway and set up a table in his front yard, displaying his toys available for purchase.

"You can't live in toys, or eat toys," said the wise boy. "Even though they are fun, you don't need them."

The elder McGuire has been out of work since December. Not only has he had a difficult time finding a job, he was also never paid for a job he did last summer, leaving him liable for the cost of the building materials and the work of two subcontractors.

"I'm out $30,000," Mr. McGuire disclosed about the unpaid project. While he continues to look for more contracting endeavors, he is wholeheartedly appreciative of his son's selfless efforts.

"Zach has a big, giving heart," said McGuire. "He came to me with this idea. He wants to contribute."

Young Zach is no stranger to helping others. After the devastating Hurricane Katrina left thousands of people homeless in 2005, he raised $400 to assist its victims by selling Kool-Aid. He also came up with a "Cocoa for California" campaign a few years later, selling hot cocoa to aid those who suffered because of the wildfires.

The young philanthropist believes everyone can do something to help, no matter the age.

"Even though they don't feel like they could do anything, they could do a Kool-Aid stand, like me," Zach said. "It's what you're doing that matters and how you're helping people."

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