HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — A 7-year-old boy from Henry County has collected more than 1,000 toys and food items for families in need during his annual toy drive.
Treandos Thornton started his toy drive when he was 4 years old with the help of his parents.
Channel 2's Rikki Klaus was at Dutchtown Elementary School in Hampton, where this year, Treandos' first-grade class pitched in to help. Treandos' classmates donated dozens of toys to pass out to kids in need.
Klaus talked to Teandos about why he decided he needed to help other people at such a young age.
"I was watching TV, and on the commercial, it was kids crying," Teandos said. "I asked my mom, 'Why are they crying?' My mom said, 'Because they don't have food or toys.'"
That was when Teandos was just 4 years old.
Shana Thornton told Klaus she helped her son organize his first holiday toy drive that year.
"When we explained it to him, he seemed to have gotten it, but he said, 'What can I do to help?" Thornton said.
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With the help of his community, Thornton has set up three drop-off sites around Stockbridge.
One is at the Rising Phoenix Enrichment Program. Klaus spoke to Ashley Gay-Johnson, the program's executive director, about their mission.
"People are hurting nowadays," Gay-Johnson said. "And it takes a community to step in and say, 'Hey, I may not know you, but I am here for you.'"
Shana Thornton, Treandos' mom, said the nonprofit United Food Force will distribute the gifts to local families.
"They're helping, right now, a family that lost their home in a fire, a family of 10," Thornton said. "So they're assisting with that, and we hope and look forward to our donations helping that family and other families, as well."
We asked Teandos what he wants to be when he grows up.
"A heart doctor, known as a cardiologist," Thorton said. "Because if people are sick, I can help them."
You can donate food and new or gently used toys through Jan. 1, 2019, to Treandos' drive at these Henry County locations:
1) Speaking Pieces Boutique: 226 Jonesboro Road, McDonough, Georgia
2) Minuteman Press of McDonough: 388 McDonough Parkway, McDonough, Georgia
3) Rising Phoenix Enrichment Program, Inc: 125 Eagles Landing Pkwy, Suite 122, Stockbridge, Georgia