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Meet the Amazing 12-Year-Old Who Makes It Her Mission to Help the Homeless in Her Community

Dec. 5, 2012 8:05am Liz Klimas

Laurens Way Helps Fla. Homeless With 150 Christmas Boxes and More Plans for the Future

Lauren Weaver (Image: LaurensWay.com)

While many might avert their eyes when passing by the homeless, Lauren Weaver doesn’t ignore them. She worries about them. In fact, she’s the heart of a growing operation called “Lauren’s Way” that helps provide some of Florida’s homeless with the items they need most — and she’s only 12 years old.

The story of Lauren’s Way started five years ago, though, when girl was 7 years old. Living near a park in Vero Beach, Ryan Weaver explained that his daughter frequently saw the same homeless man there.

She would ask questions like “Why is he dirty?” “Why does he look so sad?” and “Where does he eat and sleep?” Ryan told TheBlaze.

“I had never been put in that place and being that young … I thought everyone had a home, parents and a warm bed,” Lauren told us. “I was sad and worried about him.”

Encouraging her to think of something she might be able to do, the then second grader told her parents she wanted to give him a Christmas present. Taking $25 from the money she had been saving for an iPod — a sum which her parents said they would match for the gift — Lauren took to the store to purchase items that the local homeless shelter told her family a man like the one she saw might need most. Fifty dollars though didn’t make one box, it made seven.

“I had seen him so many times. So many times,” Lauren recalled. “When I finally got to talk to him, he was so nice.”

When she presented the man in the park with a wrapped shoe box filled with toiletries and other items, Lauren said she thought, “Wow, what I am doing is really helping the life of another.”

The man told her that he hadn’t gotten a present since he was a boy.

“And then my dad told me, ‘Now you know the true meaning of Christmas,’” Lauren said.

The Weaver family — parents Ryan and Melissa (back) and Lauren and her sister Sara — at the Indian River County National Philanthropy Day Award Ceremony where Lauren was recognized as Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy in November. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Weaver)

The other boxes she made were given to a local shelter. From that year forward, “Lauren’s Way” was established and her Christmas box initiative, among others to help the homeless in her community, grew. And that’s captured in the mission statement for Lauren’s Way:

Lauren’s Way is my mission I started at age 7 to help the homeless and needy of my community – Indian River County, Florida.

Following the example of the “Good Samaritan”, my goal was to help people at their most basic point of need.

“Some people look at [the homeless] like bums and just people on the street,” Lauren said of the misconceptions some might have, including that many are there of their own choices and doing. “They’re good people like us. They just happen to be homeless.”

Ryan explained in the second year, the family helped Lauren make 39 boxes, the third 110, the fourth 150, and this year will see 150 boxes as well. It’s now an operation that takes up their multi-car garage as well as a storage unit donated to the cause. Lauren said many of the neighborhood children and those at her school get involved. Going more specifically into what is included in the gift boxes, Lauren quickly rattles off a list from the top of her head. Here’s what we were fast enough to jot down:

Mosquito repellent
Socks
A blanket
Daily hygiene items, among them deodorant, soap and a wash cloth
Chapstick
First Aid kit
Rain poncho

Here Lauren displays one of her boxes. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Weaver)

Although Lauren hasn’t given out gifts in person since the man in the park — she’s works with local organizations to distribute them — it’s something she wants to do again.

This is not to say that Lauren hasn’t personally seen the effects of the efforts she and others have put in though. At a fundraising event held at a local restaurant, Lauren was approached by a waiter.

“He said, ‘Lauren, I want to tell you something. Last year, I got one of your boxes. It really touched me and it meant everything to me,’” Lauren said, explaining further that he had been homeless at the time he received the box but now was back on his feet.

Lauren’s Way has gone beyond boxes, too, helping collect canned food items and more than $1,300 last year that helped purchase 10 bicycles.

Lauren’s latest goal is to raise $10,000, which will be matched, to build a larger dining area at the locl Homeless Family Center. Lauren’s mother Melissa said the designs for new pavilions were drafted pro-bono by a local engineer. So far, $5,000 has been raised for the effort they hope will begin this summer.

Learn more about Lauren’s Way and how you can donate, if you’re interested, here. The money collected through the Lauren’s Way Fund is administered by Indian River Community Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Editor’s note: If you know of any interesting ways those in your local community are trying to help others, please email lklimas@theblaze.com.

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Comments (44)

freedomofspeech
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:01am
That’s the way Vero Beach ppl roll;)

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Jerry Frey
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 1:16am
GOOD for this young lady – treasure in heaven!

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Mowrite
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 11:47pm
What a wonderful thing for this girl to do at such a young age. A small church in Enumclaw saves up all year there spare change to help charities and those in need. They’ve been doing it for like 30 years. Check it out there story:
http://www.enumclaw.com/news/enumclaw-church-celebrates-annual-poor-box-day/

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toto
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 9:55pm
The most interesting thing about “charity” is whether it feeds the ego of the giver and/or makes them feel good, or whether the giving actually benefits, rather than enables, the recipient. So much of “giving” today is nothing more than a feel good ego trip. People are far more interested in how it makes them feel rather than the result of what they did. Those charities that REQUIRE something in return, are most likely to make a difference.

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rootytoottootin
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 4:41pm
When you give out of your heart to whomever it may be, & whatever they do with it does not matter, for you have given of yourself as Christ did for us.

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- Thomas
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 5:03pm
  Ever thought perhaps that the homeless don’t want to be helped. Necessity is the mother of all invention so perhaps they have not reached their rock bottom. Most are no more that hustlers who are slowly killing them self with their own selfishness. Don’t be mistaken for their needs are being met and God didn’t fail them but it is they who love their place.
  
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- Thomas
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 5:05pm
  Self pity is an addiction and those who suffer from it must reach rock bottom before they change like any other addict.
  
  Report this comment
AllAmericanGirl22
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 2:51pm
That’s amazing. Most people care, but don’t know what to do. It’s awesome how proactive Lauren was. What an amazing girl!

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CrazyGorgeousLife
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 12:20pm
I think that what Lauren and her family are doing is amazing. It takes a special person to truly care about someone other than yourself especially someone you do not know. This is a project that started with a little girl who saw the same homeless man over and over and asked her mom why he was different. After learning he was “homeless” and what that really meant she realized not everyone was as lucky as she. I applaud her and her family for having the courage to do what they feel is the right thing to do even when they get criticized for doing so. Shame on those that have posted such negative comments… this is not an article on the issue of “homelessness” it is about a little girl with a beautiful heart and a loving family that chose to help her follow it.

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Tri-ox
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 11:44am
“Homelessness”, (and its support industries) is a complex issue, far beyond the comprehension of a child. Most “homelessness” is truly by choice, and most “homeless” people and agencies involved with the “homeless” will take advantage of anyone who tries to help. Although her heart is in the right place – This is not something that a child should be involved with – her parents should steer her in a better direction.

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- AzThunder
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:13pm
  Her heart is in the right place I agree, but she should focus on another charity.
  
  — I helped the homeless for years until I realized most are there by choice and are just looking for a handout… NOT HELP
  
  Report this comment
- kristieswisher
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 3:09pm
  While what you say about the homeless, and homelessness, may be true, Lauren has operated out of a pure heart and on a giving principle that God established–The Good Samaritan. As Christians, I believe we are to “give, as unto God”….and the rest is up to Him. Bravo that Lauren gets that at such a young age…and may she not let any personal experiences that she may have interfere with the truth and principles God has established. She needs to continue to let her faith be her guide…and NOT her bad experiences…seems like adults could and should learn that lesson.
  
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- White Devil
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 3:52pm
  Just because some homeless people choose to be homeless, does it mean we shouldn’t help them? Was God just kidding when He said, “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you”(Matthew 5:42)? Of course not! We don’t have the right to choose when God’s words are okay to follow and when we don’t think they apply.
  “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these”(Mark 12:31).
  This little girl is the best example to us all that she had the compassion in her heart to serve those who don’t have the “home, parents and a warm bed” that others do- and she did it out of her own free will rather than having to be told that it’s the right thing to do. We can all learn from that.
  
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- stang289
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 4:52pm
  That is exactly right . see my lower comment
  
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G-WHIZ
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 11:16am
If her parents are REPUBLICAN/CONSERVATIVES they will be VISITED BY THE FED&LOCAL GOVERNMENTS for feeding the homeless!! ….and SHE does NOT HAVE THE PERMITS….and
willbe fined [$20,000.00/day] for non-compliance!! THE FDA wlll “visit” cause they will be fined and maybed jailed for NOT having expensive INSPECTORS to [OK] every single tiny step during the process! Then, they will be FINED for having a BUSINESS WITHOUT a LIECENCE!!

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Old_Bones
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 11:12am
It’s all warm fuzzies until she gets raped. Stupid Parents.

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- White Devil
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 3:54pm
  Did you not read the part that said she hasn’t personally handed out the shoeboxes since the one man, but she’s been working with organizations?
  Smart parents.
  
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Priscilla King
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:28am
Such a sweet girl…pity she’s about to reach a crisis point in her work. Although many homeless people have mental illnesses that make them less likely to molest a teenaged girl than other people, nevertheless age twelve is the point where most of us stop looking like “precious babies” and start looking like “richies” to many of the homeless population.

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Dismayed Veteran
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:25am
This is the social issue example with which most millennials identify as important. If the TEA Party can figure out how to participate and make this type of activity grow, we can resume the process of being relevant.

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RIGS
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:12am
GOD BLESS HER!!!! She was raised right by her mom and dad and will turn into a productive adult which this country needs badly.

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stang289
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:10am
She is being noble and I commend her for that . She is being used however by a local so called non profit that gets government money and grants .They are a magnet for bringing more homeless and more problems to our county . I know because I am a Vero resident . God bless her .

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- stang289
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 11:04am
  Heres a story from Huff po with one of those organizations . What the dont say in the story is the fact this guy is homeless because he was recently released from prison . http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/indian-river-county-homeless_n_1293612.html
  
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pma_guy
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:08am
Based on the Good Samaritan….you mean the Bible….Gospel of Luke (10:29-3)…Jesus…CHRISTmas??? Where are the atheist in this wonderful story?

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Mandors
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 9:35am
Noble cause, but I can’t help but think, “there’s tragedy waiting to happen.”

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- Xyskalla
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 11:09am
  Does she have a license to do that? She should be in jail. It’s the government’s job to help people.
  
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watashbuddyfriend
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 9:16am
Mom made me do it!

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Just_Us2
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 9:12am
She will learn her lesson like so many have…99% of these people are there because of the daily choice they make to be there. Shelters and programs abound and millions of tax dollars are paid out to help. If a person chooses to be homeless, there is no law stopping them. If they actually want to get clean and sober, they can go to a shelter…but the shelter has rules and these people do not like to follow rules. OK, I wont force the homeless in to a shelter, but do not expect me to empty my pocket for someone making bad choices. I have volunteered at a women’s shelter where they have food, clothing, safety. If you want it, its there. If you want to help, put your efforts towards those who are trying to get out of the system.

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- Wolf
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 9:27am
  Yah, righhhtttt… moron.
  
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- catty
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:10am
  Idiot
  
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- stang289
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:59am
  Unfortunately you are right . The real needy don’t ask for help because they have something called pride . Problem is if you speak the truth you are labeled as a hater or insensitive .
  
  Report this comment
- Libermerican
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:06pm
  clueless
  
  For every seat in a shelter, there are hundreds if not thousands of homeless people. If you are a female, you claim to be battered. If you are a single guy, well, put your name on this piece of paper, then go sleep on the curb, in the alley, or under a bridge, and don’t bother coming back.
  
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NONCENTS
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:43am
May God bless her, she is truly one of the pure of heart. Not everyone is called to be such.

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- mycomet123
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:00am
  God Bless her. She is doing what God has called her to do. We are all called by God to do His will for our lives, whatever that may be. Only the individual soul knows what God is calling him/her to do. You may be called to get involved in politics, help/feed the homeless or simply sit at His feet (like Mary in the Gospel whose sister Martha wanted her to get up & do what Martha wanted her to do). We need to make sure that we are fulfilling God’s agenda & not our own!. God make want you to help others who taen will turn around & refuse your help because they think they know it all . I give up with these people & just will pray for them!
  
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RIGHT_WHERE_IT_HURTS
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:33am
I just hope her Folks don’t let her actually go to them and give them the goods alone. They may never see her again.

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DadRocked
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:21am
I agree with, and GOD bless, her for her efforts. It will sink into some.
After living just six streets from Wrigley Field, I worked in the loop. Most would just sell or barter the ‘gifts’. When a guy would ask for a handout for ‘food’, I would say that I’m going for a bite and tell them that I would buy. Some went along, most just said… “Up Yours”. Never detered me from the offer.
Some would want bus fare so I would offer up, at that time, a bus token. None ever took the token.
Some I would get to know, and they would share with me of the monies handed over to them. Quite a few had gotten more than I made each day.

That was in the 1990s.

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- Mandors
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 9:34am
  Hey, did you ever come across a guy named Miller Reilly? Big guy who used to panhandle in an old corduroy blazer, further north that you were–around Howard St. A friend of mine gave him a five once, and Miller took out a roll of bills that was, I kid you not, at least six inches in diameter.
  
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- JACKTHETOAD
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:19pm
  Why don’t you give a pair of your boots, Dad? They’ll go to a good cause.
  
  Report this comment
- DadRocked
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:49pm
  Mandors – “Hey, did you ever come across a guy named Miller Reilly?”
  Name doesn’t ring a bell nort the description… But when you live there for the 13 that I did, then I may have crossed paths.
  “further north that you were–around Howard St.”
  Howard was the end of the red line… Didn’t normally go past Bryn Mawr by CTA. If I headed toward Evanston, then I usually drove my bike. Lived at Addison/Pine Grove. Generally, CTA between LSD to the Kennedy and Bryn Mawr to 35th.
  “…gave him a five once, and Miller took out a roll of bills that was, I kid you not, at least six inches in diameter.”
  Initially caught me off guard when I would see the same, but I got immune to it. I probably crossed paths w/over a dozen who at one time or another would make $200-$300/day. And if they had a ‘wife’ team – then you would her about the ‘kids’ and family woes. But still making that money.
  Today, they probably have an Obamaphone to boot.
  
  JACKTHETOAD – “Why don’t you give a pair of your boots, Dad? They’ll go to a good cause.”
  I would respond but, well… Can’t tell if your being troll, dry humor (NYC Cop), straight up, or a ****-head. Not going to waste my time pal…
  
  Report this comment
ares338
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:19am
She’s done a good thing and should be proud of herself!

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ares338
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:15am
Gasp….she can’t do that! Does she have a license to do that? She is putting some union helper out of a job. Selfish idiot kid.

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RIGHT_WHERE_IT_HURTS
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:14am
Poor little girl. The effects of brainwashing have taken hold already.

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- kickagrandma
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:25am
  Unless it’s SOUL-washing. Then, that would be a GOD thing.
  
  We all could use a whole lot of the soul washing.
  
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- JACKTHETOAD
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:17pm
  Yeah, Grandma. That bum in NYC needs a right good soulwashin’, along with the Cop and the media too.
  
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ArmedAndReallyPissed
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:12am
Just don’t buy them a $100 pair of shoes.

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