Instead of asking for presents for his 9th birthday Bayside Resident Benji Balshin's asked his friends and family for gift cards. He used the money to put together special care packages for homeless individuals. After collecting more than $600 he put together 30 bags filled with blankets, socks handwarmers, toiletries and more. This weekend he headed to Washington Square Park to hand out the bags with his mother and sister.

"In March when COVID-19 started and there is alot of poor people and I felt really bad. So I spoke to my mom I want to do something for my brithday in June I ask for money and gife cards for my brithday and I put together these bags to help people in need," said Balshin.  He chose to hand out the bags to individuals he saw needed help rather than donating to an agency.