CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – An 11-year-old boy who was deeply affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary school tragedy is commemorating their lives in his own special way.
The boy, along with his father, created "Gifts for 20," which encourages children to donate one new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots on Saturday.
Noah Hudson Peralta, 11, carries a big bat, and he also has a big heart.
"I love to play baseball," said Peralta. "I just felt like I had to do something."
The 6th grader from L'anse Creuse Middle School in Clinton Township was deeply affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary school tragedy.
"I was really depressed and sad because of the kids that died," said Peralta. "It was just sick how that guy could that. They'll never have another Christmas or birthday."
All Peralta could think about were those little kids, gone, and how could he help make sure their memory lives on forever.
With the help of his father, a web and graphic designer, they created "Gifts for 20," already up on the web and Facebook.
Peralta hopes youth across the nation will recognize Dec. 22 annually as "Sandy Hook Day" and mark the day by donating one new unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots.
Noah's father has special needs. He was born with congenital limb deficiency. His arms and legs never fully developed. Peralta has always been aware of the importance of helping others.
"There's things that I need help with and he's always there to help me out," said Noah's father.
Peralta also has a message for the parents of the "Sandy Hook 20."
"What do you want them to know that everyone knows about their children and they'll never be forgotten," said Peralta.
The deadline for toys to be distributed to needy kids in time for Christmas is Saturday. New unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any Toys R Us or Baby's R Us store and at all Toys for Tots drop-off locations in the area.
To find a Toys for Tots drop-off location near you, click here.
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