10-year-old collecting donations for homeless

10-year old Cayden Tyler sits in the back of his grandmother's car with $2,000 worth of toys and other goods he is donating to Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley for homeless families. Cory Rubin/The Signal
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When Cayden Tyler was 7, he asked the community to contribute to his efforts to help the city’s homeless population.

“When my grandma would drive me around, I would see a lot of homeless people, and I felt sad for them,” said Tyler, now 10. “I told her that I wanted to help them badly.”

Tyler and his grandmother, Kathy Gorlick, came up with a plan to collect donations, which they will then donate to Family Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to serving local homeless families.

For the past three years, they’ve been doing just that, collecting donations for Cayden’s Winter Warehouse as he calls it, and it has taken off, according to Gorlick.

Last year, Santa Clarita resident Nikki Kay heard about Tyler’s donation efforts and created a fundraiser of her own with her son, who is also named Kaden. They were able to raise nearly $2,000 to donate to the cause, and have once again joined the fundraising efforts this year.

They accept donations of clothing, toys, household essentials and any other necessities, both new or used as long as they’re in good condition, and can pick up donations.

“My favorite part is collecting and donating,” Tyler added. “When you collect, you get to meet the really nice people who are helping — I really like that. Then when I drop it off, I get to meet all the people who get to give donations to the homeless.”

“It’s heartwarming to see the overwhelming support of the entire community,” Gorlick added. “It’s important to do something for someone else, especially during the holidays.”

10-year old Cayden Tyler carries some of the $2,000 worth of toys and other goods he is donating to Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley for homeless families. Cory Rubin/The Signal

Gorlick also believes Tyler’s efforts have helped him to realize how lucky he is.

He agreed, adding, “I’m grateful for what I have, and I don’t need anything else.”

Donations will be accepted until December when they will be given to Family Promise for their winter shopping event. Those who would like to donate items to Cayden’s Winter Warehouse can contact Gorlick directly at [email protected] or 661-714-2787.

10-year old Cayden Tyler sits in the back of his grandmother’s car with Executive Director Rev. Dr. Roché Vermaak of Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley and $2,000 worth of toys and other goods he is donating for homeless families. Cory Rubin/The Signal

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