Hoosier makes b-day a gift to community

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - More than 12% of Hoosiers live in poverty. And poverty has increased 50% in Marion County. That means organizations across Central Indiana are struggling to meet the needs of Hoosiers this Thanksgiving holiday.

But 12-year-old Jack Freudenthal is doing his part to make sure hungry Hoosiers are fed this holiday.

Jack is a 6th grader at Clay Middle School in Carmel. And he came up with a novel idea for his birthday. Jack wanted his present to be a gift to the community.

24-Hour News 8 visited Jack’s 6th grade Science class. He sits in the back of the room. Jack's a good kid, smart, likable, and unassuming.

Jack has lots of friends in Science class and invited them to his birthday party.

"I just said I don't want to like have any presents this year. I would like it if you donate some money for Thanksgiving baskets," Jack said.

His friends said they first thought he was pretty weird.

But, Jack explained to his buddies that he wanted to use their donations to make sure the needy could celebrate Thanksgiving. And his friends thought the project was cool - really cool. They opened their wallets and their parents' wallets and gave.

"I noticed that like people have been getting less and less jobs. They've been getting fired, and so I think they needed some money or food," said friend, Keith Allen.

Keith is right, 36% more Hoosiers need food assistance this year than last year. Leaders with The Mozel Sanders Dinner, Indianapolis' largest Thanksgiving assistance project plans to feed 40,000 in Central Indiana. That’s 5,000 more than last year.

As for Jack, his friends gave him $135.00 for his birthday which he gave to the Carmel Fraternal Order of Police to buy Thanksgiving baskets.

"It feels amazing, and my little brother when I told him about this he said 'Oh I'm going to do this next year too,'" said Jack.

The president of the Carmel FOP has reached its fundraising goal. But those with the Mozel Sanders Dinner need the public’s help to feed 40,000 this year.

Their phone banks are open Friday night until 8 p.m. They're open Saturday and Sunday from Noon until 6 p.m. The number to call is (317) 927-1183.