FDNY Foundation Thanks 7-Year-Old New Yorker for Support

FDNY Foundation Thanks 7-Year-Old New Yorker for Support

The FDNY Foundation was recently the recipient of a generous donation from a young New Yorker.

7-year-old Aaron and his family were recently discussing making charitable donations to non-profit organizations. His parents said they decided Aaron was old enough to choose his own three charities and gave him the opportunity to choose three charities to which they would donate $10.

Aaron chose: the Fire Department, Police Department and an organization that aids children in Africa.

“As I looked up how to donate, Aaron went and got his piggy bank,” said his mom, Stephanie. “He misunderstood that we were using the family budget.”

She said Aaron chose the Fire Department because he remembered a fire in his apartment building in February 2014.

“My husband picked Aaron up at school and got home sometime in the evening and was not allowed to enter the building,” Stephanie said. “At that point, the fire was over but there was water in the lobby. They were allowed back in a short time later.”

“They help people. They risk their lives to save other people,” Aaron said. “The Fire Department saved the day and saved our building.”

Aaron and his family consistently remember to stay FDNY Smart. They have practiced escaping in case of a fire – and recently revisited their plan since Aaron’s little brother Alex can now walk on his own – and Stephanie says fire safety is a normal part of their conversations.

“He would always wave to firefighters when we saw them,” Stephanie said. “And they always waved back. He knows how important their work is.”

The FDNY Foundation is touched by Aaron’s generosity. Every donation helps us support the critical work of the FDNY and helps the Department keep New Yorkers like Aaron and his family safe.

To join Aaron and his family and support the work of the FDNY, please consider making a donation today.

Photo: Alex & Aaron

Photo credit: Aaron & Alex’s mom, Stephanie