Slay It Forward

Florida seventh-grader Joshua Runde has been using his talent for robotics to help those on the front lines combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

With help from his robotics coach and the money he was able to save up, Runde has been producing hundreds of 3D-printed face shields and donating them to the front line workers in the Florida Keys.

In honor of his act of kindness, Baskin-Robbins’ Pint-Sized Hero program, which celebrates young people giving back to their communities, will be donating $5,000 to the charity of his choice — 4KIDS — and also will treat him to a year of free ice cream. The Pint-Sized Hero program was recently established to shine a light on young individuals who are making a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.

“So, in my robotics club, one of the coaches had a 3D file for the face masks that people were trying to print,” Runde said. “The coach contacted my teacher, who then contacted me, knowing I have a 3D printer. So he knew I could start producing them.”

“I’ve been able to make about 250 masks,” he said. “I’m continuing to donate. I’m making masks as people need them.”

Since 1997, 4KIDS has been providing homes to children and young adults in crisis across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. The nonprofit has made a difference in the lives of over 28,000 individuals who needed a place to call home.

“I was thinking of how I can affect the people who need the most,” Runde said. “4Kids I know gives homes to children in need. I thought if I were one of those kids, I would want to have a home.”

The Baskin Robbins’ Pint-Sized Hero program also recognized Liv Khoury of Berkley, Michigan, Jahkil Jackson of Chicago and Brayden Pape of San Diego for their charitable acts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Donations can be made to support the program by visiting bit.ly/2X8LNW8. For information about the initiative, visit pintsizedheroes.com.

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Hey SLAYER! I’ve started a new series of posts called SLAY IT FORWARD. Each post is a submission from you of an act of kindness you have received or have witnessed that has inspired you. Let’s remind each other what’s important during this time and spread kindness… SLAY IT FORWARD.

To submit your own SLAY IT FORWARD story email me at carrie@stateofslay.com