Like many others around the world, when Tyler Kirby heard about the devastating earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12, he wanted to find a way to help the victims.
But Tyler has no bank account to donate from. He has no cell phone carrier to text a donation through.
He can't get on a plane and volunteer in the cleanup.
After all, Tyler is 4.
His parents, Jennifer and Warren Kirby of Bradford, like to keep their son up to date on the world around him. The curious toddler was shown a few scenes from the earthquake's aftermath and was moved by what he saw.
"The earthquake broke the houses," Tyler said.
When Tyler learned what an earthquake was and that many children in Haiti didn't have clothes or food, he wanted to lend a hand.
"We asked him, 'Would you like to help?' and he said yes," his mother remembered.
=With the help of mom and dad, Tyler decorated a box to bring to his nursery school, the Pine Knoll School in Haverhill. Written in a trademark 4-year-old's handwriting on the side of the box was "Help Haiti" and "Thank you."
The Kirby family created a list of items the victims would need, like water, baby wipes, and diapers, and a letter was sent home with the school's 37 students. All the goods the students collect will be sent to Haiti via an organization based in Louisiana called Friend Ships.
The next day, the box, which is taller than nearly every student in the school, was almost filled. Tyler had to decorate a new box for collections.
"Tyler came in with the box and explained it to the children," said his teacher, Kathy Moynihan. "The children picked up on it right away. They really listened, and they really jumped on the bandwagon."
As a thank you to all their hard work, Moynihan will treat her students to a pizza party.
