News 12 at 6 o'clock / Wednesday, December 15, 2010

AIKEN, S.C.---Aiken County social workers are concerned about the number of homeless kids in public schools. It's only December and there's already around 240 students who are homeless. The number is expected to rise in the new year with many parents struggling to pay their bills.

Now a local boy has decided to donate all of his birthday gifts to homeless kids so they can have a Christmas. Fourth-grader Sabastian O'Banion says he just wants to make a difference. Now he's helping spread the holiday spirit to struggling families.

Sherida Stroman is a social worker for Aiken County schools. She works with needy families all over the county. She says it's hard for her to know so many of them are hurting. "It's a very challenging job. I mean it's difficult because you don't have people donating like they use to," says Sherida. Last year, she assisted nearly 500 homeless children. "They're homeless because they don't have a fixed, adequate nighttime residence. One of the kids' relatives said thank you because they weren't going to get anything for Christmas." But today, her job was a little easier because of Sabastian. She filled her car with all the toys and food that Sabastian had given to her. "The parents were very excited...I mean it doesn't take much for them to be appreciative," she says.
Sabastian goes to Chukker Creek Elementary School. He asked 50 of his friends to bring unwrapped gifts and food to his birthday party this past weekend. "I"m so excited...so happy I can help...it makes me feel good inside," says Sabastian. Even though he's only 10, he says he knows what giving is all about. The most important rule in the world is it's better to give than to receive. Sebastian says he's lucky to have a loving family and he wants to share with others. "I just want to give others stuff that I have so they can have stuff too...so we can be equal." Sherida says the kids she works with are in need of hats, coats,and scarfs for the winter especially because the community organizations she works with are also struggling to keep up with the demand. "What Sabastian did yesterday was great. Because there was a need...he provided the resource and the children had the things they needed in time for Christmas."

If you'd like to donate, The Aiken County Board of Education District Office on Brookhave Drive is collecting winter coats. If you'd like to call and speak to someone regarding specific needs some of the children may have, you can call (803) 641-2428 and ask for Ms. Sherida Stroman.