Boy raises money for fellow boy scouts

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Many adults couldn't accomplish what Michael Schmidt did in a few months time. His story might just inspire the rest of us to do more.

Michael Schmidt has saved his letters and cards that are pouring in from all over the country. Each letter comes with a donation someone mails to Michael.

Michael is raising money to assist boys who can't afford to become scouts. It runs about $150 for the uniform, registration and handbook.

"It's actually kind of an honor just to be able to be a part of this," Michael said.

The fundraising, all started one Sunday at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

"We are to take the gifts we've been entrusted with and to pass them on," Director of Children's Ministries, Jill Galvin said.

The pastor randomly picked 16 people and gave them $100 a piece, to make a difference.

"You don't have to be a certain age to be able to give back what you've been given," Galvin said.

Michael received $100 that day.

"At first I thought we got to keep it and spend it and stuff like that, then my dad explained it to me and then I figured out that I had to make it grow and do it toward a charity or something," Michael said.

Michael decided to write a letter, pull out the family's Christmas card list and ask people for donations, so less fortunate boys can put on the uniform.

"That's something that we stress at our pack at every meeting is for the boys to learn to do something good for somebody every day," Tom Schmidt, Michael's father, said. "I think Michael takes that to a whole other level sometimes."

For every donation Michael receives, he makes a neckerchief slide for a scout in the donors' honor. So far, he's raised $7,500.

"I still can't believe we did it, it happened," Michael said.

Michael believes if we all did something like this, it could change the world.

"It's just kind of a better place for everyone," Michael said.

Michael is still raising money. Scouts all over the country are looking at ways to start projects like his.

To make a donation, call the Last Frontier Council Boy Scouts of America at 840-1114.