9-year-old celebrates birthday by giving back through food drive

Making A Difference 9-year-old celebrates birthday by giving back through food drive "The community is experiencing economic challenges, and this is a beautiful way to give back and help people when they need it most." By Regina Waldroup • Published 23 minutes ago • Updated 6 minutes ago Birthdays are typically a time for receiving gifts. But Alex Anning, a 9-year-old who lives in Tinley Park, turned his birthday into an opportunity to give gifts to others. Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE "Today is such a special day because it is Alexander's 9th birthday food drive and giveaway," said his mother, Kymbria Young. "The event is led by young leaders, my son, Alexander, the Montessori School of Englewood, the non-profit Season to Soar and the Illinois Network of Charter Schools." Alex was 7 years old and about to turn 8—when he saw a man experiencing homelessness and in need of food. It moved him to tears, his mom said. Instead of simply feeling sad, Alex decided to act by organizing a food giveaway for his birthday. "People who don't have food need food, and this is a great way to help them," Alex said. The goal today was to pack and distribute 500 bags in Englewood to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, homelessness or hardship. "We received so much community support and outreach of people partnering, donating and helping make it possible," Young said. "The community is experiencing economic challenges, and this is a beautiful way to give back and help people when they need it most." Local Chicago 52 minutes ago These twelve Chicago restaurants made OpenTable's 2026 list of top 100 in the US JB Pritzker 1 hour ago Gov. JB Pritzker to pause public events after outpatient procedure Alex's birthday food drive is the kickoff to Season to Soar’s holiday giving season. If you need groceries, want to volunteer, or would like to make a donation to support Alex's birthday food drive and giveaway, visit: Season To Soar. This article tagged under: Making A Difference