Nebraska boy inspires over $14,000 donation to Tabitha Health Meals on Wheels

Braxton Anderson has been a special kid since he was born. He was born with his intestines outside his body, and spent the first year of his life in the hospital. But, Braxton isn't thinking about himself. He's focused on helping others.

Last month, Braxton told his family he wanted to donate the 12 quarters he had to Tabitha Health's Meals on Wheels program.

"I just didn't even know how he knew about it," T.R. Anderson, Braxton's dad said. "He soaks up everything. He listens and we've always encouraged him to do something like this, but we weren't expecting this."

Inspired by his generosity, Braxton's family members each matched his donation. Then, he spent the next few weeks going around on his bicycle asking others to match it.

Tabitha Health CEO Christie Hinrichs said she took Braxton's story to her board members, who also matched his donation. On Wednesday, Braxton presented Tabitha with a check for over $14,000 in donations he had inspired.

"It was awesome. I can't believe I raised that much," Braxton said.

After presenting the check, Braxton got to see first-hand what his donation could do. He went on a Meals on Wheels delivery route, meeting the people he was helping.

"The big message we are trying to teach him, and I think he gets it, is that it's a little donation that can make a big difference and a little person who can make a big impact," Hinrichs said.

Hinrichs said the donation should be enough for 2,300 meals.

"70% of the people who we give meals to can't afford to pay the full amount of that meal," Hinrichs said. "So, we rely heavily on donations to keep it going. And this definitely helps."

Braxton said he doesn't want to stop raising money for Tabitha Meals on Wheels. He said he's already planning on getting back on his bicycle to ask more people to match his simple $3 donation.