Paradise. That’s how 10-year-old Kaymon Sledge describes the Puerto Rico that he saw during spring break. After Hurricane Maria hit the island on Sept. 20, the Conyers fifth grader just had to do something to help his paradise recover. “I just felt that people already were responding to Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Hurricane Irma in Florida and forgetting about Puerto Rico,” he said. In the span of two weeks, Kaymon raised $1,182 for The Salvation Army’s relief effort. He had a lot of help from his classmates and teachers at Honey Creek Elementary who participated in his fundraisers. “It is good to make a difference,” Kaymon said.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: I have a sister who is 21 and I have two wonderful dogs, a German Shepherd named Charlie and a black lab, Bradley, named after my grandfather. I like to play football, hang outdoors a lot, play video games. I also like to go to the gun range.
Q: Was this your first time trying to help others?
A: My mom and I, we do random acts of kindness. One time, we went to the store and bought three things of turkey meat and made sandwiches for the homeless. Sometimes we go through the drive-through at a restaurant like McDonald's and my mom and I will pay for the people in the car behind us.
Q: How would you describe Puerto Rico to people who have never been?
A: It is just an all-around amazing picture. The culture. The food. The people. When I was there, we went to the Old San Juan Castle and toured Old San Juan. We ate mofongo. I had such a good time there that I forgot my cell phone was in my pocket and went into the water. I lost my phone but it was worth it.
Q: What did you think when you heard what Hurricane Maria did to Puerto Rico?
A: All hurricanes are bad but this one especially was. When I was doing the fundraising, 97 percent of the people in Puerto Rico still were without power. The water was barely drinkable and in some places, it was not drinkable at all. People are struggling to get food. It is just horrible.
Q: You said you believe that people have forgotten about Puerto Rico. Why do you think that?
A: I think because it separated from the United States and many people think it is not a part of the United States.
Q: How did you raise money?
A: I started with an online campaign and raised $530. After that, I asked if I could do a "Spirit Week" at our school. Students and teachers paid $1 to participate. On Monday, we had "Superhero Day" where everyone came dressed as their favorite superhero. The theme was "Be a hero and help Puerto Rico." Tuesday was "Twins Day" with the theme, "Identical or not, we are all in this together." Wednesday was "Nerd Day" and we asked people to educate themselves about hurricane relief. Thursday was "Decades' Day." I dressed like I was from the 1980s. The theme for that day was "Helping one another never goes out of style." Friday was "Team Day" so people could get together for hurricane relief. People wore team jerseys, hats, shorts and pants. I also raffled off a $25 gas card at the parent teacher organization meeting and raised $56.
Q: That was sure nice of your school to participate.
A: Yes, it really was.
Q: Did you think you were going to raise so much money?
A: I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I am definitely pleased.
Q: Why is it important for you to give back?
A: I just think it is important for everybody to get along and for there to be a good feeling in the community.
Q: What would you tell people who say kids can’t make a difference?
A: I just go do it.
About the Author
