High school can be a nightmare if you don’t hang out with the right people or look the right way. Michael Todd, a freshman at MLK Prep in Memphis Tennessee knows a little something about that. After being bullied for wearing the same clothes every day during his first few weeks of school, a couple of kind-hearted football players stepped in to help.
Kristopher Graham and Antwan Garrett saw that Todd was being bullied and they even laughed at him at one point too. But, they wanted to change how things were going for Todd who is a new student at the school. Together, they bought new clothes for Todd and presented them to him outside of third-period class. The moment was captured on video and has been warming hearts across the Internet.
Graham told Fox13 WHBQ, “He wasn’t smiling or anything, and I was like ‘I think this is going to make you smile.’ We’re in the same third period and I apologize for laughing at you, and I want to give you something to make it up,” he said.
Todd explained to FOX13 WHBQ that he had been bullied his entire life and that kids would make fun of him for wearing the same clothes every day. “I really don’t have clothes at home,” he told FOX13. “My mom can’t buy clothes for me because I’m growing too fast.”
The outpouring of love and support from people across the country has been overwhelming and the school has set up a system for people to donate clothes directly to the school where Todd and other kids in need can have access to the clothes, shoes, and outerwear that they need. Readers interested in helping can ship items to MLK College Preparatory School, 1530 Dellwood Avenue, Memphis, TN 38127.
It’s heartbreaking to know that kids are going to school every single day while lacking basic needs. But there are a few ways you can help.
- Contact your local school’s guidance counselor and ask what specific items they need for kids including clothing sizes or food.
- Donate gift cards to grocery stores that sell school supplies like Target and send them directly to a teacher to help fund classroom needs like extra snacks for hungry kids, extra mittens and hats, school supplies and more.
- If you’re a parent of a school-aged child, volunteer at your school where you can give your time and help teachers and kids directly with fundraising efforts.
When we live in a world where kids use empathy to help each other out, everyone is better off. Kudos to Kristopher Graham and Antwan Garrett for stepping up and showing compassion and love to a fellow classmate.
