Redmond boy, 11, visits homeless camps to give
Raymond Videhof, 11, of Redmond, came up with the idea of giving blankets and hot chocolate to those less fortunate, but now it’s growing to much more.
On Thanksgiving morning, Raymond, with support from his parents, headed beyond Redmond’s community kitchens and shelters, and straight to homeless camps on BLM land.
There, they found people living in tents and trailers with little to no heat. They donated warm clothes, jackets and scarves they had collected.
Raymond said Tuesday it fills him with joy to help others.
“You could see and hear the joy in them,” Videhof said.
Proud parents Becca and Steven Hibberd raved about the impact it made.
“When we told them and that it was our son’s idea and that this is him. This is him, giving back to humanity. And the look of gratitude on their face and just genuine love,” Becca Hibberd said.
Tearing up, Becca expressed how proud she is.
“As a mom, you always hope and pray that your kids are going to be these wonderful human beings, and see others for what they are. I’m super-proud,” she said.
Father Steven Hibberd said the usual dad-son relationship is lead by example, but Raymond is leading him.
“For him to grow up and come up with this stuff on his own is so inspiring, as his father,” Hibberd said.
Since the first collection of donations was a huge hit, the family is collecting more warm clothing, propane tanks and warm clothes for dogs, all to drop off at the camps once again.
To help Raymond’s cause, you can email his mother directly at beccaparker76@yahoo.com.