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ARMONK, N.Y. James Fallon of Armonk is learning at an early age that hard work pays off.
I was able to give back to people who needed it, and people gave back to me, the 10-year-old said. Its amazing.
A student at H.C. Crittenden Middle School, James was a key member of multiple backpack drives for underprivileged students in the greater New York area. For his work, he received a Kohls Cares scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to be used toward secondary education. He came up with the idea to give backpacks to students through his own experiences.
Every year, I always want new stuff for school, James said. And I know that there are some people out there that cant afford to buy those supplies, and I think every student should have that opportunity.
James was able to raise $2,500 through various fundraising efforts, which he then spent with his parents and their non-profit organization, Heavenly Productions Foundation, on backpacks and supplies. Last September, 600 backpacks were donated to Public School 23 in Yonkers. Later this week, nearly 1,000 backpacks will be delivered to two New York City Schools, Mount Carmel-Holy Rosary in East Harlem and Isaac Clason School in the Bronx.
James is also very involved with the Riverkeeper Foundation, which is dedicated to keeping the Hudson River clean. He has an online donation page set up with Riverkeeper and in the past has asked family members to donate money instead of purchasing birthday gifts. Since November, he has raised $2,655 for the cause.
James's parents, Kathy and Jay Fallon, said they were proud to see their son get rewarded for his work.
Were very proud of his accomplishments and that hes generous with his time and helping others, Kathy Fallon said of her son.
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