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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marion County child donates over $1,000 to Salvation Army

A child in Marion County recently celebrated his 10th birthday by presenting a generous donation to the Salvation Army.

Ten-year-old Cooper Thomas raised $545 from tips that he received from opening doors for people at local restaurants. His family provided a matching contribution of $500, and a check in the amount of $1,045 was presented to the Salvation Army on Saturday, May 21.

Marion County child donates over 1000 to Salvation Army
Cooper Thomas presented the $1,045 check to the Salvation Army on his 10th birthday (Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army in Ocala)

According to Cooper’s mother, he began opening doors for people at restaurants when he was five years old. While he did this out of kindness, his mother stated that he became excited when a gentleman offered him a tip. As time went by, Cooper’s mother stated that he continued opening doors at restaurants, and he became even more excited to get the recognition from appreciative diners.

Approximately three months ago, while he was being driven home from school, Cooper saw a homeless man who was holding a sign asking for money. He asked his mother if she had anything to give to the homeless man. She located a $5 bill and Cooper handed it to the homeless man.

Cooper felt good about giving the money to the less fortunate, and he made the decision to donate all the tips he received from holding doors to a local charity. After his family researched multiple charities, Cooper selected the Salvation Army.

On its Facebook webpage, the Salvation Army in Ocala stated, “What an inspiration. Thank you, Cooper. We hope that your kindness, selflessness, and generosity inspire others to give so that doors of opportunity can be opened for our neighbors in need.”

Cooper’s acts of kindness have spread to his friends who now want to participate in his mission.

According to the Salvation Army, the money that Cooper generously donated will help provide 40 nights of shelter, along with meals, at the organization’s Center of Hope.