Good Samaritans come in all ages these days.
Take Marccus Whitcomb, a second-grader at Jefferson Elementary School.
With school out of session early because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitcomb filled most of his spare time partaking in an “Adventure Ted” challenge.
The multi-faceted endeavor included raising funds for the Childhood Cancer Society, finding ways to help and inspire others, and to have fun.
He’s been rather successful at it.
Since the start of the challenge in late April, he has raised more than $225 for CCS, and donated nearly as much in prize winnings to young mothers in need.
Whitcomb and his mother, Brooklyn, explained how the process works.
Each day, participants are asked to complete challenges, from posting inspirational messages online, to more complicated assignments, such as recreating movie scenes. (Marccus acted out scenes from the movies “E.T., the Extra Terrestrial” and “Toy Story.”)
Those tasks then were posted on the “Adventure Ted” Facebook page. The ones earning the most shares and likes receive points.
The top point earners each week receive $50 Amazon gift cards.
Here’s where it gets special.
Because Marccus has been so successful, he’s earned the gift cards five straight weeks.
But rather than bask in the glow of his earnings, the youngster decided to again help others.
He’s using his earnings to buy diapers, then delivering them quasi-secretly to moms. (The mothers are consulted beforehand to ensure the diapers are the proper size.)
From there, Marccus and his mother drop off the diapers at the front door, ring the doorbell, and then leave before anyone can see them.
“It’s just like ‘Ding Dong Ditch,’” Brooklyn laughed. “We have fun with it.”
The fun has been a welcome respite for Marccus, who admitted he was disappointed when school officials closed campuses for the last nine weeks of the school year, particularly getting to play with his friends in the school yard.
The challenge concludes this week, with the big prizes still to come.
The top point earner will receive a $2,000 Amazon gift card, with smaller prizes going to the rest of the top 10.
Marccus, whose only spoils thus far was to buy himself a small robot spider (and one for a friend) has plans for the big cash prize, if he’s fortunate to win.
“He wants to buy a trampoline,” his mother said. “And more diapers.”
To check out Marccus’s progress, visit the “Adventure Ted Challenge” Facebook page.