8-year-old Louisiana native donates savings to Haiti

8-year-old Louisiana native donates savings to Haiti

Amirikis Smith is an 8-year-old, 3rd grader at Red River Elementary School in Coushatta, Louisiana. Smith has been saving for college for the past two years. He's already deposited more than $300.00 into his savings account. When he saw the devastation in Haiti he decided it was time to make a withdrawal. "One day at home I had said 'You know what Pop Pop I'm going to send Haiti $50.00 that I have in my account,'" said Amirikis. Smith says he knew one person would get his donation to the people who needed it most. He sent a letter to President Obama. "Dear President Obama," said Smith. "I have seen the suffering of the people in Haiti and want to share some money from my savings for their relief." Smith gave his letter to Shreveport's mayor. Mayor Cedric Glover delivered it to the President and the President recognized Smith on national television. "It's just amazing when you tell your children, your grandchildren about planting seeds and then they do it and think about it on their own," said Vera Smith, Smith's grandmother. Smith says he would like to be a fireman or a lawyer when he grows up. He says it's all about helping others.