At just nine years old, West Grove resident Owen Jones is inspiring a lot of people.

Since he was three, Jones has attended summer camp at the Kennett Area YMCA. Last year, he and his mom noticed that a fellow camper wasn’t able to afford lunch, so Jones began bringing her a sandwich, fruit, snack, and water every day.

“I thought if we (my mother and I) helped support them, then when we need help, they would support us,” said Jones.

In honor of his 10th birthday next month, Jones and the entire YMCA of Greater Brandywine began inviting others to join in the generosity by donating just $10, the approximate cost of a child’s lunch. The funds raised will go toward helping other kids, families, and residents in Chester County access YMCA programs, such as summer camp.

“The YMCA’s core values are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility,” said Denise Day, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “To see a nine-year-old embodying all of those values and making such a significant impact on our community really inspires me, and I hope others will join Owen in his cause.”

Click here to donate and thus help Owen Jones pay it forward.