BMH Editor's Blog

From the Delaware (OH) Gazette. Hunter and his parents are from the Delaware, OH, Grace Brethren Church (Gary Underwood, pastor).

An 11-year-old Ashley resident has been chosen as an NBC4 Everyday Hero for this year’s Red, White and Boom broadcast on Friday.

Hunter Frey (pictured), a seventh-grade student at Buckeye Valley Middle School, partners with Integrated Community Development International (ICDI) to promote and raise funds for unsponsored orphans to receive clean water, food, clothing, medical and educational supplies. He collects new and gently used Beanie Babies and Hot Wheels cars and Smarties candy. Several truckloads have been sent to the Central African Republic, or CAR, as Hunter calls it.

Hunter said he was very surprised that he was selected.

“It’s not about me, so I hope it will help remind people how lucky we are here,” he said. “We can go to a faucet and get clean water at any time, and in Africa, a lot of children die from the water.”

Last year, Hunter visited the Central African Republic and met his sponsor children, Cedric and Paterne, who are like brothers to him.

“I have not been able to go back yet, but will as soon as God shows me it’s time, and I have the money,” Hunter said. “It costs a lot just for a plane ticket, more than $2,000, and that can provide a lot of water and food for orphans. I miss being there with my friends and new family.”

Hunter continues to raise funds for the Central African Republic and to collect Beanies and Hot Wheels. Over spring break, he also met with Samaritan’s Purse, a Franklin and Billy Graham ministry in North Carolina, that provides toys in Christmas shoe boxes for orphans all over the world.

Hunter also was chosen as the area winner of the Kohl’s Kids Who Care campaign. He received a $50 prize and is being considered for a regional scholarship. He is the son of Nathan and Robin Frey of Ashley.