A teenager who once helped the homeless in New Mexico has taken his big heart and generosity to the West Coast, where he continues to help the less fortunate in Spokane, Washington.
Donovan Smith started making soap for the homeless at age 11 as a way to give back to his community, according to KRQE.
"My mother and I were homeless, and ever since we recovered, it's been my focus to help the homeless," Smith said to KRQE.
While living in Albuquerque, Smith made and donated 22,000 bars of soap to the homeless community. He received recognition from then-Pres. Barack Obama, KRQE reported. He was gifted a storefront, which he ran while attending school. When the work became overwhelming, Smith took a few years off to travel. He came back to the United States determined to "make a difference again," Smith said.
KRQE reported that Smith is now hydro-farming produce including lettuce, tomatoes, and other vegetables in Spokane, and he donates everything he has grown.
Smith puts the produce in salad cups and donates it to local nonprofits in his community, according to KRQE. He has already given away approximately one thousand salad cups.