OTSEGO, COUNTY, MI – What started as an inspired act of compassion by a Michigan third-grade student has grown into a school-wide effort to help those in need.

On Wednesday, Michigan State Police shared the story behind the fight against homelessness at South Maple Elementary School in Gaylord.

It began when an 8-year-old student began spreading his idea with classmates to collect pillows and blankets for those in need.

His friends immediately supported the idea, and together they decided to act, police said.

Troopers said the student reached out to the Michigan State Police for assistance.

The State Trooper Outreach Partnership (S.T.O.P.) responded quickly, contacting the school principal to help turn the idea into reality.

From that collaboration, the Share the Warmth Drive was created and the S.T.O.P. Gaylord Chapter donated $500 to the school’s initiative.

The third-grade class collected new pillows and blankets during the first week of May, ultimately donating 107 blankets, 65 pillows, 16 thermal blankets, and 20 rain ponchos to The Refuge of Otsego County for distribution to individuals and families in need.

“This effort shows how one small idea, fueled by kindness, can bring a community together to make a big difference,” a police statement said.

Bravo!