What a Beautiful Story of Kindness: A Young Boy’s Wish to Feed the Homeless Becomes a Lifelong Mission

In a world where headlines are often filled with conflict, tragedy, and division, the story of Abraham Olagbegi reminds us of the transformative power of compassion and the enduring beauty of human kindness.

Last year, 13-year-old Abraham Olagbegi, from Jackson, Mississippi, received life-changing news. He had been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that required a bone marrow transplant to save his life. The journey was long and difficult—filled with uncertainty, hospital visits, and immense physical and emotional strain. But against the odds, Abraham’s transplant was successful. He emerged not only with renewed health, but also with a remarkable sense of purpose.

Abraham’s recovery qualified him for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children facing life-threatening illnesses. While many children might choose trips to Disney World, a celebrity meet-and-greet, or a new gaming console, Abraham had a different idea—one rooted in gratitude and service.

“I remember we were coming home from one of his doctor visits,” said Miriam Olagbegi, Abraham’s mother, in an interview with CBS News. “And he said, ‘Mom, I’ve thought about it, and I really want to feed the homeless.’”

For Abraham, the wish wasn’t about himself. He wanted to use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring comfort and nourishment to those who needed it most. Make-A-Wish listened—and delivered. In September, the foundation partnered with local businesses to help Abraham organize a large-scale food distribution event in Jackson. With the help of volunteers and generous donations, Abraham and his family were able to serve hot meals to around 80 individuals experiencing homelessness.

“When the homeless people got their food, some of them came back to sing to us and thank us,” Abraham shared. “It felt really good, it warmed our hearts. My parents always taught us that it’s a blessing to be a blessing.”

The event was more than a moment—it was the beginning of a movement. Inspired by the experience and the impact it had on the community, Abraham decided he didn’t want his wish to end after just one day. With support from his parents and local organizations, he launched a nonprofit initiative called “Abraham’s Table,” dedicated to continuing this mission of feeding the homeless on a monthly basis.

Since that initial event, Abraham’s Table has grown. Through fundraising, donations, and partnerships with local businesses, Abraham and his team have been able to provide hundreds of meals to those in need. The initiative has also sparked greater community involvement, encouraging others to volunteer, donate, and contribute in their own ways.

The story of Abraham’s wish resonates because it turns the spotlight on a young person who, despite facing life-threatening illness and personal hardship, chose to look outward and uplift others. His wish wasn’t grand in material terms—but it was rich in empathy, generosity, and love.

Abraham’s story also highlights the power of role models. His parents, Miriam and his father, who is a pastor, have consistently taught their children to serve others. That foundation helped shape Abraham’s values and his desire to give back. In a world where children often absorb the messages they see and hear around them, Abraham’s family clearly led by example—demonstrating that love, kindness, and selflessness are worth more than any material reward.

“What Abraham did is what we hope all children will do one day—think beyond themselves and give back to the world,” said a representative from Make-A-Wish Mississippi. “He used his wish not just to celebrate his survival, but to help others survive too.”

Stories like Abraham’s remind us that acts of kindness, no matter how small they may seem, can ripple outward and touch lives in profound ways. It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of big problems like poverty, illness, and inequality. But Abraham’s journey teaches us that compassion, when paired with action, has the power to transform lives—both for the giver and the receiver.

Today, Abraham continues to plan future events with Abraham’s Table. His dream is to expand the project, creating mobile kitchens that can serve meals in underserved neighborhoods, and inspiring other youth to get involved in service.

“I just want to make sure that people who are hungry know that someone cares,” Abraham says. “I know what it’s like to go through something hard. This is my way of helping.”

What a beautiful story of kindness, indeed.