Boy's bravery in face of fire inspires gift from strangers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - He's only 4, but Andra McGowan was old enough to help save his family . They all survived but lost everything. Now strangers, touched by the boy's story, are helping the family start over.

Kraig Cox, his wife, Vronda, and their 9-year old son donated toys, clothing, shoes and learning tools for Andra a day after hearing of the boy’s bravery when he saw fire in his home.

Cox said he was impressed with the story he saw on 24-Hour News 8 .

“I saw this little guy sitting on the sidewalk, drawing his picture and explaining what the fire looked like,” Cox said.

After contacting 24-Hour-News 8, the Cox family met Andra, and his mother, Anica Duke, at the hotel where they are temporarily staying.

First, the two families sat at a large table getting to know each other. And when Andra and his family thought the meet-and-greet was over, they got a big surprise.

Cox told Andra to step into a nearby room. In that room, he revealed toy cars, bins stuffed with clothes and shoes.

At one point, Cox told Andra to sit down and close his eyes. When he opened his eyes, Cox revealed two suits, plus a tub spilling over with clothes for every occasion.

Little Andra beamed.

While most children are sad about losing their toys, Andra said after the fire that he was disappointed his dress clothes for church were destroyed.

“That moved us quite a bit. That is really profound coming from a 4-year-old,” Kraig Cox said.

Little Andra appreciates the Cox’s generosity.

While there are a million ways to show gratitude, sometimes “thank you” says it best. And that’s exactly what Andra said.