LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - Mayor of Live Oak, Bob Woten, had the opportunity to recognize one exemplary young man’s efforts.

At just 8 years of age, Cooper Cabrera decided that he needed to do something to help his fellow children in need. It was then, in 2018, that he founded his do-good project, Saving Silver Coins. He saved all the money he earned performing chores, helping family members and collecting donations, resulting in a total of $200 dollars raised. With that money, he purchased toys which he donated to the Live Oak Head Start Children.

This year, Cabrera got a head start on his project and was able to raise $400 dollars, which was again used to purchase toys to donate to the Live Oak Head Start children.

Cabrera was honored December 18th, 2019, by the City Council of the City of Live Oak, with a proclamation in recognition of his hard work. It read, “Cooper represents the true meaning of the holidays by selflessly giving of his time and money… He is an example of selflessness and charity that all should emulate.”

As Cabrera accepted the award, he was given the floor. The 9-year-old said, “Well, the reason I started all of this was – I just wanted everybody not to be poor so I decided to collect enough money because if they did not have enough money, then they wouldn’t buy anything for themselves cause they would be poor forever. So I decided to collect as much money as I can to gather toys, clothes and food for them.”

He received a round of applause from the gallery, Council and City employees. Mayor Woten closed with a special congratulations to Cabrera. “We are so very proud of you,” he said, “You are an absolute amazing example for us, even as older folks, to get that spirit of giving during the holidays, cause sometimes we forget huh? So, you are a reminder of that spirit we should have at this time of the season.”