- November 23, 2024
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Levi Campbell Photos by Jeff Dawsey
The Campbells- back row: Jonah, Michelle and Noah; front row: Annabelle, Paul and Levi
Because of Levi Campbell, 60 foster kids received Christmas gifts last year. For the last four years, he has made efforts to help those kids because he too was once a foster child.
In the custody of his biological parents who struggled with drug addiction, the now 13-year-old eighth-grader found most of his breakfast, lunch and dinner in garbage cans. His lack of nutrition reduced his body growth, which is why Levi stands nearly a foot shorter than most of his peers.
After being taken into foster care, Levi was adopted by Paul and Michelle Campbell on Nov. 16, 2012.
The Campbell's friends showered Levi with money and gifts to celebrate their adoption. Rather than enjoying all of his new toys and coinage, Levi had another idea in mind.
"He asked if he could do anything he wanted with his money," Michelle said, "and I told him anything within reason. He wanted to buy gifts for kids still in care that did not get new families that year. I was very proud of him for thinking of others before himself and caring about kids who did not have what he now has — a forever family."
Michelle took to social media to brag about her "proud mom moment" as she puts it, and she began asking for kids' wish lists. That year, they provided gifts for 10 kids. Since the first year, they've grown six times that amount.
"I remember what it feels like, not getting anything for Christmas," Levi said. "This year, with more support, I want to be able to help 100 kids." Michelle says there are more kids in foster care, so there is a greater need.
Since adopting Levi, Paul and Michelle have also adopted Levi's younger brother Noah, and siblings Annabelle and Jonah. Together, they enjoy the family time they spend collecting and organizing all of the gifts for the foster kids.
"Even though it's exhausting," Michelle said, "that's why we do it year after year. The kids deserve it."
Interested in donating? The Campbells donate toys through Community Partnership for Children, which holds an annual holiday toy drive to benefit children in Volusia, Flagler and Putnam counties. A collection box has been placed at its Palm Coast-based office at 377 Palm Coast Parkway, Suites 2 and 3, its main office in Daytona, First Baptist Church of Palm Coast and Take Action Realty for anyone interested in donating toys. Toy donations are due by Friday, Dec. 2. Interested donors can also donate to specific kids and their wish lists. For more information, call Danielle Antione at 254-3875.
Say that again: "I remember what it feels like, not getting anything for Christmas."
LEVI CAMPBELL
