This kind 86-year-old, Johnny Jennings, spent over three decades collecting recycling from friends and family to donate the proceeds to the Georgia Baptist Home for Children. Over the past 32 years, he has donated more than $400,000 to help children without parents.

Jennings first visited the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home at 18, a visit that profoundly impacted him. During his visit, young children approached him, pleading to be adopted, which deeply moved him. This experience shaped his life mission.

“When we went to leave, these three little boys grabbed me by the knees and said, ‘Will you be my daddy?’” Jennings recalled. “And I said I’ll do what I can. That took my heart, right there.”

From that moment, Jennings was determined to help these children. Though he wasn’t ready to adopt at such a young age, he decided to support them financially. With limited funds, he discovered that by collecting and recycling, he could raise money weekly for the children’s home.

A friend, Shay Love, shared her experience of supporting Jennings’ cause: “He told me about his recycling program and I told him I would save all the recycling in my office if he wanted to come by and pick it up,” Love said. “For the past 12 years or so, every Thursday, he’s come to my office to pick up the recycling. It’s my favorite day of the week.”

Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries provides care for orphaned children and families in need. Jennings’ annual donations of $10,000 to $15,000 have amounted to over $400,000, significantly aiding thousands of parentless children.

“It’s more a blessing to give than to receive,” said Jennings. “I just hope I can keep on going as long as I can. As long as my health can keep up… It feels great. That’s worth more than money.”

Consider collecting extra recycling in your neighborhood and donating the proceeds to your favorite charity. Your efforts can create a significant impact over time, benefiting both the charity and our planet.

Do you have a way to give to charity? Let us know in the comments. Have a blessed day.