New Jersey Boy Helps Recovering Addicts After Father Dies from Drug Abuse
11-year-old Trae Cole lost his father to drug addiction approximately one year ago. Now, the South Jersey resident has made it his mission to help recovering addicts succeed in their journey.
Cole spends his time after sports collecting money and backpacks. Last month, he handed out 50 backpacks to recovering addicts at a recovery house in Sicklerville, New Jersey. Each backpack contained a hand-stitched patch with the name and story of someone who lost their battle with addiction, as well as care packages with toiletries and other essentials. He plans to continue gifting backpacks like these for as long as possible.
“For him to do this for somebody after losing his father and not having his mother around and being so selfless like that, it warms my heart,” said his grandmother, Tina Cole.
Cole’s actions are appreciated by recovering addicts and recovery house employees alike. “A lot of people that move into our houses don’t have anything,” said George Chewkaees, an employee of the recovery house. “It’s a real nice gesture.”
A recovering addict at the recovery house spoke about how Cole’s actions give him hope. “I’ve got kids too,” he said. “This is the first time I’ve ever experienced anything like this. It just really choked me up.”
Another recovering addict had similar thoughts. “I will keep this for the rest of my life and I will cherish it,” a resident told Cole. “Your father’s memory will not only be with you but it will be with me as well.”
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