Birmingham, Alabama: Putting People First

By Chanda Temple

Ethan Hill, a 9-year-old from the east Birmingham area, has launched a campaign to raise money to buy 100 sleeping bags and care packages for the homeless this holiday season.

“So many people are sleeping on the ground or they are on mattresses with nothing to cover them up. They just have the clothes on their backs,’’ said Ethan. “So, (my parents and I) tried to figure out something that they could help them stay warm and that they could take with them.’’

“I’m excited that people care enough to donate.’’

This is the third year the Phillips Academy fourth grader has worked to help the homeless during the holidays. When he was 7 years old, he asked his parents if they could buy orange Home Depot buckets and supplies for the homeless. And in 2018 when he was 8 years old, Ethan bought 50 sleeping bags for the homeless in Birmingham. They barely had time to get out of the car when they pulled up to Linn Park before the bags were snapped up in 2 minutes. Ethan cried because so many were in need, pushing his parents to seek donations from friends to buy a few more sleeping bags that year.

This year, Ethan said he wants to make sure more people get help, which is why he has set his goal of buying 100, $10 sleeping bags from Academy Sports. His uncle set up a fundraiser on Facebook for him in October, and Ethan said the response has been good. He said he’s close to reaching his sleeping bag goal but is still in need of items for his care packages. He plans to distribute them on Sunday, Dec. 22 in Linn Park.

“The first time I helped, it made me feel pretty excited,’’ Ethan said. “This time, I have the chance to help people again and not be selfish.’’

Ethan said he got the idea to help the homeless during his morning rides to school. Every day, he noticed a man living under a bridge. He asked his parents if there was anything they could to help the man. Once the family discussed the man and his situation, Ethan got to work, at the age of 7, doing online research on what the homeless community needed.

His parents, Ebony and David Hill Jr., used their own money to buy 10 buckets and fill them with tarps, an emergency blanket, snacks, and a blanket that doubled as a tent.

“Ethan Googled everything,’’ said his mother. “And he had us driving all over the place looking for things. When we were done, I think each bucket weighed about 5 or 10 pounds.’’

Ethan said that helping the man under the bridge and others like him gave him a sense of accomplishment. He was shocked to find so many people, including young people and veterans, without a home. “I had been looking at him for the past year, and I just got a chance to help him,’’ he said.

When asked what he felt he was put on this Earth to do, Ethan said: “Play golf, play video games and help people.’’

Ethan’s efforts have not only impressed those at his church and on social media but also those in the Mayor’s Office.

“Servant leadership has long been a guiding principle of my administration,” Mayor Randall Woodfin said.  “When I look at Ethan, the great work he’s already done and his willing spirit to do even more, I can truly say that he’s the epitome of servant leadership. In this season of giving, it’s a model example for all of us. I’m so proud of what he’s accomplished.’’

Don Lupo, city operations manager and organizer of the city’s warming and cooling stations, said he’s also proud of Ethan.

“It’s hopeful when you see a child, 9 years old, doing what this young man is doing,’’ Lupo said. “He’s showing his heart. He’s showing just the true meaning of giving.’’

Ethan and his parents said the deadline for donations for the sleeping bags is Sunday, Dec. 1. The deadline for items and donations for the care packages is Friday, Dec. 13.

Ethan said he is still in need of the following for the care packages:

Hats

Gloves

Socks

Gallon-sized Ziploc bags

Snacks

Toiletries

For more information call his mother, Ebony Hill, at 205-240-9004.