In a world where stories of compassion often go unnoticed, one boy is determined to change that.
San Francisco is a loud city, full of people and noise. So 10-year-old Maxx Raser is working to break through that noise and inspire others.
His goal is simple – 10 acts of kindness for his 10th birthday.
Maxx’s inspiration came from a news article he saw while at his grandmother’s house.
The tale of Bryan Tsiliacos, a man dedicating himself to 30 acts of kindness before his 30th birthday, resonated with Maxx. Watching Bryan’s selfless deeds, Maxx turned to his mother and grandmother, asking, “Can I do something like that for my 10th birthday?”
“I was really proud,” shared Maxx’s mother, Cristina Raser. Little did they know that this simple question would set in motion a series of heartwarming events.
Maxx Raser, left, with Bryan Tsiliacos, who inspired him to complete 10 acts of kindness over the next year. Photo courtesy of Cristina Raser
As Maxx’s 10th birthday approached in October, his mother revisited the idea of 10 acts of kindness. With Maxx’s enthusiasm undiminished, she reached out to Bryan Tsiliacos, the man who had sparked this youthful desire for kindness. Bryan, a 30-year-old product manager for a marketing technology company, was thrilled and suggested they team up for Maxx’s first act.
“National Sandwich Day was around the corner,” Bryan said.
So I suggested that we make sandwiches and feed all of the homeless that we could.”
After Maxx’s birthday on October 22, he used the $75 he received as gifts to purchase bread, cheese, turkey, and ham, aiming to make 100 sandwiches. Bryan, equally passionate about the cause, secured donations from two local delis, doubling their efforts. The goal? To deliver the sandwiches to the Multi-Service Center South, San Francisco’s largest homeless shelter.
Cristina tearfully remembered Maxx’s words while shopping for sandwich ingredients: “This feels really good, Mommy. It makes me happy that I’m helping people.”
Sean Raser, Maxx’s father, expressed his pride, noting, “Maxx has always been kind and sweet. As an only child, he’s mature for his age.”
Maxx Raser used money he received on his 10th birthday to buy supplies for sandwiches to give to homeless people in the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of Cristina Raser
On November 3, National Sandwich Day, Maxx and Bryan delivered the sandwiches to the homeless shelter. The sight of Maxx wheeling in the sandwiches brought a sense of fulfillment to Bryan. “I saw it as a full circle moment to see another generation wanting to continue what I’d started to express my own gratitude,” he said.
At the homeless shelter, about 40 people sang “Happy Birthday” to Maxx, expressing gratitude for his efforts. For Maxx, it was just the beginning.
I hope what I’m doing inspires lots of people in my generation by the time I’m 11,” Maxx said.
Maxx’s kindness knows no bounds. With plans for a coat drive in December and a beach cleanup with his hockey team, Maxx envisions a future filled with compassion. Other ideas, such as a book drive and visits to an elderly home, highlight Maxx’s determination to spread kindness in various forms.
Maxx’s story is a reminder that even a 10-year-old can make a significant impact on the world. As he continues his mission, Maxx stands as living proof that kindness, when embraced with an open heart, has the power to create a ripple effect that inspires others to join in the crusade of spreading warmth and generosity.
Watch this amazing kid and his 10 acts of kindness, below.
Sources: Washington Post | NBC Bay Area
