Giving back to the community is something that we would expect from an adult. But this 9-year-old boy is setting an example to kids out there. He is trying to do his part by giving back to the community while helping the environment at the same time.

Not everyone collects cans. Some are doing it to earn from these scraps. But Draegan Bandy has a different plan in mind. He is collecting cans during his free time not for his own gain. He is “canning” to help the community.

During an interview with Draegan, he said, “We collect cans. We don’t really choose the type of cans we collect, but it has to be made of tin. So we find the cans, we put them in a garbage bag, and once we get a few bags or enough that it’s worth something.”

He spent months collecting cans before he brought it to be recycled. He earned 40 cents a pound for his effort.

He said, “I’ve always had a thing to collect shiny things, so I collect cans and stuff. I also collect, once in a while, I collect, I’ll find pieces of metal, parts of cans you take those, too. I decided to start doing cans because that was a pretty big money maker.” But this young man is not saving money for himself. He explained, “I donated $60 to Honor Flight. I have a hat pin right here from it. That was my reward for doing that. The other reward that I actually cherish more than the hatpin is the fact that I can help someone else.”

Kristina Austin, the Event Coordinator for the Veteran’s Honor Flight of Southern Illinois said that every donation, no matter how big or small it is, can make a difference. She explained, “We were very honored for this nine-year-old boy to make that decision to choose to donate to us. He said his grandfather was a veteran, and so he was just really excited to be involved.”

When asked about his good deed, Draegan explained, “I mean, I’m not okay with people throwing out cans, but it’s a good business for me because it’s helping out other people. It’s helping out them, it’s helping out the Earth because I don’t want the Earth to die.” Aside from this, Draegan has also donated money to Toys for Tots as well as the Cambria Toy Drive. He promised that his next donation would go to help the homeless.

Most kids his age are busy playing video games or watching their favorite cartoons after school and during their free time. But for Draegan, this young boy has the heart of an old man. At his very young age, he is aware of what he can do to help others in his own little way. This is why he should be a good role model for other kids out there. Even adults can learn from him too.

When it comes to helping others, even the tiniest help can go a long way. It may not be a big deal for others, but for the recipient of these good deeds, it’s more than enough to put a smile on their face. We need more Draegan Bandy in this world.