Child shows others generosity, compassion

"And a little child shall lead them." So says a verse in the book of Isaiah. Grant Skelton is definitely a child leader making us all aware of what's important: helping others.

At the tender age of 8, Grant used money he received from his grandparents to help a homeless man. It was only $75, but the feeling he received from bestowing it upon someone in need produced something much greater. That $75 seed has grown into a not-for-profit organization that now has raised $2,000 and more expected. Grant named the foundation he founded the Granting Grace Foundation. It's a legit enterprise, equipped with the mandatory board, a Scriptural tag-line and a logo.

In addition to receiving input from the 10-member board, which includes a 9, 10 and 11-year-old, Grant looks to his pastor Tom Sullenger of Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau for how to best utilize the foundation's monies. Even with the advice he receives, Granting Grace is very much Grant's baby.

According to his mother, Kara Skelton, "He's done everything on his own." She and her husband, Mike, are quite proud of their son.

Grant and his fellow boardmembers understand that to continue, funding is a must, so in addition to such things as bake sales and car washes, a Gospel concert was held Sunday for the organization's first fundraiser at UMC.

This young man is no small thinker by any stretch of the imagination; they printed 300 concert tickets and hoped to sell out.

We at the Southeast Missourian encourage you to learn from Grant's efforts and generosity that anyone -- young or old -- can help make a difference in the world.