10-Year-Old Makes Ornaments to Help Others

POLK COUNTY, Ga. - A 10-year-old Polk County boy did something magical this Christmas. Stephen Haney made ornaments to sell and raise money for kids who wouldn't be getting much under the tree this year.

He made a dozen or so ornaments, and then set up a table with a donation box at his uncle's store, Haney Farm and Ranch Supply in Rockmart. Polk County Chief Deputy Jonathan Blackmon saw Stephen and asked what he was doing.

“He told me I'm doing this for you, for the Toys Express Program for coats and toys for kids,” said Blackmon.

Blackmon was so impressed with the young man, he said he bought a few ornaments, took a photo and posted it on Facebook. Once it hit social media, Stephen's mom said it snowballed.

“People were putting in orders, calling and asking where they could buy them,” said Renty Haney.

Stephen started working overtime. His dad sawed the trees. Stephen drilled the holes, stamped and colored the designs, and threaded the string.

His mom said “Stephen would come home from school and we'd have to start drilling holes and making ornaments, then we'd have to do homework at 10 at night.”

In no time, Stephen sold hundreds of ornaments and handed over every penny to the Sheriff's Office Toys Express Program. Chief Deputy Blackmon said it was enough to buy 103 coats.

“I'm happy for the people who have jackets, coats, everything they need for the winter,” said Stephen.

He added that he's already thinking about next year and knows he'll have to start making his ornaments earlier.