North Andover 7-Year-Old Raises Over $500 For Homeless

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — While many seven-year-olds were focused on their own presents, local seven-year-old Brooke Sullivan spent her holiday season focused on giving to others. By raising money, first from family and then through a Facebook fundraiser, Brooke was able to give over $500 of warm clothing and toys to local organizations for the homeless. The second grader donated over $300 in clothing to the Daybreak Shelter in Lawrence, and over $200 in toys for Horizons for Homeless Children, also in Lawrence.

Brooke "saw a video online of someone bringing food to the homeless," and was inspired, according to her mother Jessica.

"After doing some research we learned that they needed supplies so she decided to raise money to buy those supplies," Jessica said.

Brooke wanted people to "stay warm and cozy this winter," and then, once she had raised money for "the grown-up homeless, she thought it would be nice to help the kids too."

"Everyone was very generous and more than happy to help," Brooke said. "Some donated $5 and others donated $100."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.