9-year-old collects sleeping bags for homeless - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

A Madison student came up with a way to help the homeless this holiday season.

Mitchell Dashoff, 9, is collecting sleeping bags for the homeless.

He came up with the idea after visiting the Manna House with his mother. Afterwards he went to officials at Madison Elementary, who have joined in the efforts.

So far, over 20 sleeping bags have been collected at Empire Fitness where his father works. Both

Mitchell and his dad hope to see that number grow.                                                                                

"I don't want the homeless to be cold.  If you want the homeless to be cold, that's just mean. I want them to be warm," said Mitchell.

"I couldn't be prouder of Mitchell. I think it's fantastic. When so many kids are thinking about what they can get with the holidays coming up, it makes me feel great knowing he is thinking about giving," said Steve Dashoff, Mitchell's father.

Mitchell said all the sleeping bags will be turned over to the Manna House to distribute to the homeless.

If you have a gently used or new sleeping bag you would like to donate, you can drop them off at Empire Fitness in Madison Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and at Madison Elementary.

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