WILDWOOD CREST – Six-year-old Brayan Bender’s smile could light up a room. Not only is his smile contagious but so is his giving nature. Bender is just about to start first grade at Crest Memorial here. He is active in his church, the Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Erma, a Tiger Scout with Cub Scout Pack 87, involved in sports and dance, yet somehow still finds time to give back to the community.
In his six years, Bender understands the value of doing good deeds and helping others. He picks up trash, helps other children in school, and donates money straight out of his piggy bank to church programs.
His family volunteers at the American Cancer Society bike-a-thon, with the North Wildwood firehouses after Hurricane Sandy, and with other local causes. The Bender family does a lot of volunteer work as a family, but Brayan still strives to do more and more because he loves it so much.
“Brayan just loves doing selfless acts to help others,” said his mother, Tammy. She explained about a time when her son learned about someone being homeless, “He wanted to buy them a home, we don’t even own a home” she states. His good nature is just a part of who he is and members of the community are always commenting about his kind spirit.
Bender recently won a bike at his church, “He said, ‘Mommy I just got a new bike, so I can give this bike to a boy that doesn’t have one.’”
He is donating his bike to the local organization C.A.R.A., the Coalition Against Rape and Abuse, which helps victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Cape May County.
Dozens of children are in the care of C.A.R.A. and Bender knows the bike will be given to a child who is truly in need.
“Doing good deeds makes me feel happy,” the six-year-old said. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Brayan responds “A doctor, so I can help people.”
Bender hope’s his story will inspire others to give back in their community and looks forward to his next good deed.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.
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