A Chat with Will about Helping Refugees

Will is from Pennsylvania, USA. We asked him some questions about a project he did to help others.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m 11 years old. I like to play soccer and lacrosse, bake cookies, swim, ski, and roller-skate. I also play the piano and the violin. My favorite color is navy blue, and my favorite food is eggs (scrambled, fried, hard boiled—I love them all!). When I grow up, I want to be a doctor like my dad.

What gave you the idea to help?

I heard that many families from another country were fleeing for their safety. Some of them were moving to an area close by. Right away I thought, “How can I help them?”

I said a prayer to know how I could help. Then my mom got an email from the stake Relief Society. They were asking people to donate items to give to the refugee families. I knew my prayer was answered!

How did you help?

I love to bake (my specialty is cookies) so I decided to sell cookies to earn money for these families. I made fliers and rode my roller skates around the neighborhood to deliver them. My dog, Coco, came too.

Many of my neighbors were excited to buy my cookies. With the money I earned, I bought pots and pans to donate.

How did you feel?

I felt good knowing these families would be able to cook using the pots and pans. I can only imagine how comforting a home-cooked meal would taste when you’re in a new country.

I learned in Primary that “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17). I felt Heavenly Father’s love for me and for the people moving to my area.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to help?

Look for ways to serve in your ward or stake. You could also help a local shelter in your area. There are ways to help all around!

Illustrations by Dave Williams