The phrase "take a penny, leave a penny" may not have been created by 14-year-old Nomaan "Nomi" Bilal, but he's taken it to a whole new level.
Bilal collected quite a few pennies and1them with organizations helping people in need. With mostly pocket change, Bilal2a total of $4,150 from neighbors, family and friends. He donated it all to a district-run program for3disadvantaged families. The organizations used the donations to purchase and4gift cards for about 20 families.
While finishing up his first year of high school online, Bilal started collecting5change he found. Through Facebook, Bilal and his mother, Nadia Pervez, got the6out, and soon enough plenty of people were stopping by to7bags upon bags of change. Every day, Bilal devoted most of his spare time to8and hand-rolling coins. Eventually, a stranger heard about his9and contacted Pervez to donate a coin sorter, which has made the10quicker and easier.
Roseann Miceli, director of a charity organization, called Bilal's efforts11and unprecedented (前所未有的).Miceli will buy more gift cards with the rest of Bilal's fundraising, which continues to12. She said the families were so appreciative: "They would be13out their windows, 'Thank you so much'". Miceli wanted Bilal to know that he's made a big difference with small change. The idea came to her while she was14the donations from his house. "I think a 'thank-you' and a wave15the door 6 feet away with a face mask is not enough for this kid who has been16pennies for the past 20 days," Miceli said. She organized a "thank-you parade" to drive past Bilal's house. Cars lined the street, with the drivers all waving, holding signs and shouting "thank you" from a social17.
"I was just18at how many people should come out of their way just to see me," he said. One of the parade participants gave Bilal a handmade sign that19: "Nomi is our hero."
"It shows that one person can make a difference and how such a small effort can turn into such a big thing," he said. "And that my community is very helpful and thoughtful throughout these20 times."
