In the heart of Peru, Blair Pointe Elementary School stands out as a perennial powerhouse in the district-wide canned food drive. The school, which houses grades three through six, benefits from the enthusiasm of its younger students. However, one individual truly makes a significant impact - DJ Smith.

"A Sixth Grader's Generosity Transforms the Canned Food Drive"

DJ Smith: The Canned Food Drive Star

DJ, a sixth grader at Blair Pointe Elementary School, has earned a reputation for bringing in an astonishing number of canned items. In recent years, he has consistently brought in hundreds of cans. But this year, his final year as an elementary student, he outdid himself by bringing in an impressive 1,046 cans of food along with more than $2,000 in monetary donations. When asked about his motivation, DJ simply said, "You gotta do what you gotta do for people."DJ has been participating in the fundraiser since he started school. The cause touched his heart, and he knew he wanted to make a difference. The fact that it was a competition added an extra layer of excitement for him. As his mother Bridgette Evenson mentioned, "He's very competitive even (when he was) in preschool. When he heard there was a prize, he came home and wanted to raid our pantry."

The Impact of DJ's Efforts

An average year typically sees between 4,000 and 5,000 cans of food brought in by the entire school. DJ's contribution makes up a significant portion of this total. His actions have shown that kindness can come in many different forms, even from a 12-year-old boy. Shine Hall, the counselor at Blair Pointe, emphasized, "Kindness can come in a lot of different forms, it can come from a 12-year-old boy."DJ's efforts have not only made a difference in the canned food drive but also in the community. He has handed out food at the United Way of Miami County's mobile food pantry, experiencing a sense of fulfillment. As his mother said, "It felt like a full circle."

How DJ Gets Involved

DJ gets involved in the food drive in various ways. He puts money he receives at Christmas, birthdays, and for good grades toward the cause. He also takes proactive steps to increase donations. In the fall, with the help of his mom, he drafted letters and distributed them to local businesses. These businesses then collect items on his behalf from their customers. As Evenson mentioned, "We do a lot of driving around. He does all the talking."DJ's story is a testament to the power of one individual to make a big impact. His efforts have inspired others at the school and in the community. As he grows up, his mother hopes that the lessons he has learned will stay with him. As she said, "He definitely has a heart of gold."