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Arden Advocate

Holiday Season Brings a Real Can Do Spirit

Dec 11, 2017 12:00AM ● By Words and picture by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Cameron Dax (left) unloads groceries for his annual food drive. Fellow project volunteers are neighbors Cody and Kayla Belle Judd.

Carmichael, CA (MPG) - Carmichael's junior philanthropist Cameron Dax is shopping up a storm for his annual “Cameron’s Cans” food drive. With $800 personally saved and many more donated dollars, the 13-year-old will soon gather 10,000 items to help local non-profits. He has organized an annual drive since he was six. Carmichael Chamber of Commerce this year lauded him as “Young Philanthropist of the Year.”

Cameron’s retail expeditions will begin at The Grocery Outlet on Greenback Lane. Owner Sarah Wheeler gives Cameron a generous discount and commends his efforts: “He’s the youngest big shopper we have here,” she says. “Cameron is doing great things.” Helped by parents Coral and Jeff Dax, the customer will need six cars to transport his 2017 haul. His drive combines purchased goods with thousands of items donated by friends and the community in support of food banks run by San Juan School District, Carmichael Presbyterian Church and Carmichael Adventist Church.

This year’s drive got an unexpected boost. Impressed by Cameron’s efforts, the online platform Go Trade Me delivered a whopping donation. “Of all the people who raise funds on Go Fund Me,” marvels Cameron, “they picked me among 100 children and featured us on their home page. And they gave us $1000 each. I couldn’t believe it. Their announcement also brought in an extra $425 in donations in four hours. This gave me more than I’ve ever had to spend on groceries.”

Home-schooled and a budding artist, the philanthropist annually offers paintings to boost fundraising. Four of his oil canvases last year earned $400. “With the food drive, my school work, my Civil Air Patrol leadership program and my art, it’s a busy time of the year,” attests Cameron. “Thanks to my family, my friends and the community, I somehow manage to get it all done. Helping people makes me feel good.”

To assist Cameron's Canned Food Drive, contact [email protected] or call (916) 320-7928. 

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