'Real love is spread through actions — not just words': boy donates to foster kids
Update on Jan. 19, 2022:
The York County Commissioners have recognized 11-year-old Curvin Coxen for donating approximately 200 book bags, duffel bags and suitcases to help children entering the foster care system.
Vice President Commissioner Doug Hoke read a proclamation during the commissioners meeting on Wednesday that recognizes Coxen for his altruistic acts to help the children and the York County community. Each donation includes a personal note and a funky pair of socks.
Those in attendance applauded.
Clair Doll, executive director of York County Human Services, thanked Curvin for his compassion and kindness to others as well as the boy's family for its support.
"What a great role model for all of us," President Commissioner Julie Wheeler said.
Published July 27, 2020:
Curvin Coxen wanted to help other children going through a hard time and make them feel like they matter.
For his 10th birthday, which he celebrated on Feb. 20, the Berwick Township youth collected a variety of bags — duffel bags, book bags and suitcases — for children entering the foster care system.
When children are removed from their caregivers for safety reasons, they often have a limited time to gather belongings to take with them, said Tanya Stauffer, administrator of the York County Office of Children, Youth, and Families. Often, their possession are tossed into plastic bags.
With the help of his mother, Devon Brogan, he created a Facebook page, Curvin's Bags, and included an Amazon link to his shopping wish list.
In a video on the page, he explained that he learned at church — Christ American Baptist Church in Heidelberg Township — that when you help others, you are helping Jesus. Curvin said he felt like he was being led to help other children who may not be as fortunate as he is.
More: After nearly drowning, 5-year-old Pa. girl met the first responders who saved her life
More: A small role in history: York County man was among those who helped man land on the moon
More: Back-to-school: In person, virtual or a hybrid? Here's what local districts plan to do
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, he reached his goal of collecting 100 bags for children. He and his mother packed them into their vehicle and dropped them off Monday morning in downtown York.
"Real love is spread through actions — not just words," he said during a phone interview.
Each bag contains a note to let the children know that someone cares about them as well as a pair of funky socks — decorated with food, monsters and stuffed animals — to make them laugh. Curvin likes these kind of socks, his mother said.
"I couldn't have done it without my mom," he added.
The bags will help children over the next six to nine months, Stauffer said.
"He might not see the impact, but there definitely will be one," she said.
Curvin plans to keep collecting bags to donate them to foster children in other counties as well.
"... kids can make a difference — not just grownups," he said.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Local boy collects bags for his birthday, donates them to foster children
