DO GOODER

13-year-oldboy granted a "Make-A-Wish" uses it to feed the homeless every monthfor a year

BY CAITLIN O'KANELast year, 13-year-old Abraham Olabegi found out hewas born with a rare blood disorder and needed a bone marrow transplant. Abouta year later, he found out better news: His transplant was successful, and hequalified for Make-A-Wish, an organization that grants wishes to children willserious illnesses. Abraham wanted a long-lasting wish, and he had an ideathat he shared with his mom. "I remember we were coming home from one ofhis doctor appointments and he said, 'Mom, I thought about it, and I reallywant to feed the homeless,'" Abraham's mom, Miriam Olagbegi, told CBSNews. "I said, 'Are you sure Abraham? You could do a lot ... You sure youdon't want a PlayStation?'"

Abraham told his mom, Miriam, hewanted to feed the homeless as his wish – and she couldn't have been prouder.MIRIAM OLAGBEGI

Unlike many teenage boys, the PlayStation did notentice Abraham. He was sure of his wish to feed the homeless. Abraham'sdad thought it was an awesome idea, too, Miriam said. "So, of course, weweren't going to miss an opportunity like that because we always tried toinstill giving into our children." 

In September, Make-A-Wish helped Abraham organizea day to hand out free food in Jackson, Mississippi, with food and suppliesdonated from local businesses. Abraham said they ended up feeding about 80people that day."When the homeless people get the plate, some of themwould come back and sing to us and thank us," he said. "And it justreally feels good, it warms our hearts. And my parents always taught us thatit's a blessing to be a blessing."

Abraham already has a sign for"Abraham's Table" – what he hopes to become a nonprofit for feedingthe homeless.MAKE-A-WISH

Abraham's wish is still not fulfilled. Make-A-Wishwill help Abraham feed the homeless every month for a year.The nonprofitorganization says every third Saturday of each month, the Mississippi chapterwill work with Abraham to find local supporters to help supply the food theyneed to feed up to 80 homeless people. They said a local church and businesshave already supplied two servings. And when his wish is through in August2022, Abraham has plans to continue helping the homeless. He wants to turn thiseffort into a nonprofit – one he's already named "Abraham'sTable." 

"We're just very excited tobe able to continue on this endeavor. It's just so rewarding," his momsaid. "If I was out there on the streets, homeless, I would want somebodyat some point to think of me and to do something special for me. So, that'swhat I try to instill in my kids and we just try to pay it forward, by doingwhat we were raised to do."

‍