Eight-year-old Avion Thurmond of Shaker Heights, OH, follows his mother's example of giving back to the community by feeding and preparing food for homeless and needy families, among other activities.

What kind of philanthropic or volunteer work did/do you do?

Avion: I volunteer with my mother's sorority (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.) to do programs with the seniors at Singleton Nursing Home. I also volunteer to feed the homeless at Trinity Cathedral and prepare meals for needy families for Thanksgiving with my Boy Scout Troop Pack 296 at Olivet Baptist Church.

What is the name and location of the organization?

Avion: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Warrensville Heights Chapter. Singleton Nursing Home is on 82nd and Chester in Cleveland, Ohio. Trinity Cathedral is on 22nd Street in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Pack 296 is headquartered at Olivet Baptist church on 89th and Quincy in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tell us about the project, especially who benefited from this work.

Avion: The populations that benefit from this are the senior citizens, homeless in the downtown area, and needy families in Cleveland, Ohio.

What inspired you to get involved?

Avion: I like to help people.

How did you first get involved? Give us some details.

Avion: My mom does a lot of community service, so I just started going with her and helping out.

What is/was the best thing about your experience?

Avion: Knowing that I have helped someone.

What is/was the hardest part?

Avion: Nothing.

What was the biggest surprise?

Avion: None.

What new things have you learned as a result of your experience and how have you changed as a result?

Avion: I have learned the value of being thankful. I understand now how hard my mom works to give me the things I want, and that there are many who do not have but are thankful just the same.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of getting involved in philanthropy or volunteering?

Avion: Do as much of it as you can!

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