Eight-year-old boy launches mission to help 1,000 rough sleepers in the winter

An eight-year-old boy from Essex who sold his own toys to help the homeless is on a mission to collect supplies to help 1,000 rough sleepers.

Jacob Rabi-Leleh started his ‘backpack campaign’ – putting together bags filled with warm clothing and other supplies – after worrying about the homeless people he had seen in his hometown of Maldon.

After walking past a group of people sleeping rough during the winter, he started asking questions about how they kept warm, his mum Stephanie Barret said.

“When he was five we lost our house and had to sleep on my parents’ sofa for six months, so I think he related to that situation,” Stephanie told Yahoo News UK.

“He was really concerned when he saw people sleeping outside, he thought people were going to die.

“I explained to him that not everyone has a family who can help them.

“When he had that in his head he was on a mission. He decided he wanted to help them get a little warmer and happier while they were out there.”

As soon as he got home, Jacob ran upstairs and made a poster asking for help to create backpacks full of warm clothes to give out to people sleeping on the streets.

Last year Jacob managed to put together 148 bags full of food, clothing and wash kit for homeless people, and this year he wants to raise enough to make 1,000.

He first started by collecting warm-weather clothing from friends and family, before deciding he wanted to raise money to buy food and wash things as well.

“As soon as he had the idea he went and got a load of toys from his room and said he wanted to sell them so he could buy things to put in the bags,” Stephanie said.

As the weather started to become colder this year Jacob set his sights on putting together bags to give out to 1,000 homeless people.

He said: “Now I would like to fill 1,000 backpacks by the time I am 10.

“To think of 1,000 smiles, 1,000 lives saved from the cold, it would be incredible, and I believe it will happen, because miracles happen if you believe in them.”

The eight-year-old has started doing assembles in schools in his area to raise awareness and try and inspire other children.

He is also holding garage sales where people can donate money and bring unwanted items such as sleeping bags and coats.

“I’m absolutely proud of him,” said Stephanie.

“I’ve had my fair share of emotional moment. We’ve had so many letters of support from people in the community, the support has been overwhelming.”

To donate to Jacob’s campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/jacob039s-backpack-campaign.

To find out more visit jacobsbackpackcampaign.co.uk.