$1K Raised To Help Families In Need Through 5-Year-Old's Artwork

PATCHOGUE, NY — A 5-year-old Patchogue boy is doing his part to help people during the coronairus crisis. Normally around this time, Jacqueline Routh participates in a fundraiser held by her job to help raise money for Long Island Cares. However due to the pandemic, the event was cancelled. After hearing about that, her son, Benjamin, wanted to find a way to still raise money for the nonprofit, which works to provide food for people in need across Long Island.

Organizations like Long Island Cares are needed more than ever now as many are filing for unemployment and schools are shut down, which is where some children were able to get two meals for free. Once his family explained that to Benjamin, he became concerned for the families that were in need and decided to find a creative way to raise money.

"He's definitely a little wise behind his years" Routh told Patch. "It wasn't surprising to me that his first question was 'how can I help' because that's just how he's always been."

Benjamin decided to channel his love of art to help raise money. So he decided to sell artwork in order to make some money to donate. In a week, he raised a total of $1,000 for the organization.

He made at least 25 paintings, which were purchased by neighbors, local residents and even some from out of state.

Routh said she plans on either mailing, dropping off locally or waiting until the crisis is over to deliver the artwork.

"I just figured it would be a fun, constructive activity for him to do, I didn't think it would get this far, I didn't think it would've turned as big as it did," she said.

She is still encouraging people to donate to Long Island Cares. Click here to learn more or to donate.

All photos courtesy of Jacqueline Routh