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Meet Adrian Menzel, an 8 year old from Des Plaines, who is demonstrating compassion, generosity and philanthropy by asking his friends and family to gift LEGOs, in place of a present for his birthday, to children in Guatemala.

This birthday wish came about when Adrian learned of photo and video footage of hundreds of impoverished children living in a trash dump, while researching the country for an upcoming visit with his grandmother, Shari Stocker.

His project, “Adrian Loves Legos” is a way for him to bring some happiness to those kids through sharing a toy he loves.

His grandmother has jumped on board with assisting Adrians mission and reached out to Safe Passage, a non profit organization that has been aiding families in Guatemala City, to ensure safety and logistics in distributing donations. 

Adrian has brought his project to the people of Des Plaines, when he addressed the City Council at the July 20th meeting.

He expressed his sadness of children not having a toy to play with.

“Everyday, they [children] search through the trash to find a toy … I think this will make them very happy.”

Support Adrian’s birthday wish by donating LEGOs in secure dropbox locations including the Des Plaines Public Library (until October 1st), Des Plaines Fire Stations and the Des Plaines Police Station until October 17th.

Get the word out and let’s help Adrian’s kindness reach out to as many kids as possible while he visits Guatemala.

For more information:

• Follow Adrian’s trip to Guatemala and other future Menzel family humanitarian efforts at Unstoppable Children of the World, on Facebook
• Visit Adrian’s GoFundMe webpage

Inspiration can come from anywhere, but is quite powerful when a child can be a model citizen of Des Plaines and beyond.

Inspired by Adrian? Read these books to plant a seed of philanthropy in your family.