Opinion

Discussion

January 5, 2013

Citizens of the Week: Henry and Charlie Edwards

The Daily Citizen

For many children, one of the most exciting things about Christmas is all the presents they get to look forward to receiving.

Such was the case for Henry Edwards, 6, and Charlie Edwards 8, two Brookwood School students who found themselves debating aloud who would get the biggest and best gifts from Santa Claus.

However, their grandfather, Murray County resident Lamarr Henry, wanted them to focus on a different kind of gift. As grandmother Betty Henry put it, “They received the ‘way it used to be, hard times’ story/fussing out from a papa who was one of 12 children.”

The message made an impression.

Henry did an about-face and instead of focusing on his presents decided to take $34 of his own money and adopt a special needs class at Park Creek School where their mother works. With some matching money from his grandfather and others, Henry was able to deliver a bag of toys to each child. He said he wants to do something similar every year.

Older brother Charlie said he didn’t have enough money to adopt a class, but he decided to help in another way, volunteering at Community Christmas. The annual event provides families with low incomes a way to take classes to earn a ticket to “shop” for a limited number of free toys for their children at a location run by volunteers.

Betty Henry said she’s proud of both boys.

“Children do listen and learn from their elders,” she said. “It is in this way that we ‘grow’ loving, compassionate citizens.”

For showing the true spirit of Christmas by helping others, The Daily Citizen names Henry and Charlie Edwards Citizens of the Week.

Text Only
Opinion

Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado