Photo: Disney
Disney officials learned of Bell’s good deed and went to the family’s Jacksonville, Florida, home on Sunday and broke the news that they were sending Bell and his family on a VIP getaway at Disney’s vacation kingdom.
“His jaw just dropped open and he was smiling from ear to ear,” Creech says of Bell’s reaction to the news. “He was really happy. He was very grateful for what they did. They gave him an animated Simba toy and he was just like, ‘This is my favorite Simba toy ever. I think I’m gonna sleep with it, it’s gonna go everywhere I go.’ ”
It all began earlier this month while Bell was visiting his grandparents in Allendale. Gov. Henry McMaster ordered the coast to evacuate as the storm approached. With that, evacuees began heading inland, and Bell told his grandmother he wanted to help.
With the help of his grandparents and a few local residents, Bell set up a tent along Highway 125, where he served hot dogs, water and chips to more than 100 evacuees.
“He is really a selfless, selfless child and it’s overwhelming but it’s not shocking because to know him, this is exactly who he is,” Creech tells PEOPLE. “I have a budding philanthropist! I just really want him to know that I am extremely proud of him. I don’t even think I could put it into words.”
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Bell’s act of kindness has gone viral, with news outlets across the country highlighting the good deed. Creech says Bell has been “embracing” all the attention, though he never set out to go viral.
“The people that are traveling to go to places, I wanted them to have some food to eat, so they can enjoy the ride to the place that they’re going to stay at,” Bell toldWJBF. “I wanted to be generous and live to give.”
“He wants to hopefully be able to donate some proceeds or purchase care packages,” Creech says of Bell. “I’m hoping that this is just the beginning for him.”
Shortly before Sunday’s surprise, comedian and actorDavid Spadegave $10,000 for Bell and his family to go to Disney
source: people.com
