Community Corner

First-Grader's Food Pantry Gets Attention Of Sen. Kamala Harris

Cavanaugh Bell, a Gaithersburg kid who started a food pantry during the coronavirus pandemic, chatted with Sen. Kamala Harris.

Cavanaugh Bell, a Gaithersburg kid who started a food pantry during the coronavirus pandemic, chatted with Sen. Kamala Harris.
Cavanaugh Bell, a Gaithersburg kid who started a food pantry during the coronavirus pandemic, chatted with Sen. Kamala Harris. (Cool & Dope)

GAITHERSBURG, MD — In his seven years of life, Cavanaugh Bell has accomplished more than people three times his age: he's already launched an anti-bullying campaign, used his life savings to make coronavirus care packages for seniors, and started a community food pantry to help communities in need.

Now, he's catching up with California Sen. Kamala Harris — the former Democratic presidential candidate who may be on Joe Biden's VP shortlist.

In a YouTube video published May 3, Harris praised the Gaithersburg resident for serving more than 1,500 families through his food pantry, "Love Is Greater Than COVID-19."

Find out what's happening in Gaithersburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


For the latest on the new coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.


"You know, the thing that you're doing, it also points out there's nothing too small or too big that can be done when you're a leader to help other people. Like you have figured that out," Harris said. "I have this saying that we're all born leaders and then it's just a matter of when you decide to kick it in and be a leader.

Find out what's happening in Gaithersburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"And you figured that out at a really early stage — earlier than most," she continued. "That's really, really, really incredible. And it's so special, and it's very inspiring. You inspire me."

Bell, a first-grader on a mission to spread positivity, founded an anti-bullying nonprofit called Cool & Dope in 2018.

Cool & Dope stands for "Considering Others' Obstacles in Life" and "Dish Out Positive Energy." Bell uses Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to spread positive messages.

During his interview last week, Bell got the chance to ask Harris a few questions — including what's her favorite part of being a senator.

According to Harris, she loves helping people above all else.

Bell then chimed in, agreeing with Harris: "What's my favorite part about my job is 'Love Is Greater Than COVID-19' — so that just feels beautiful inside of me. That's my whole life is helping others to change the world."

Bell's mother, Llacey Simmons has set up a GoFundMe page for "Love Is Greater Than COVID-19." As of Tuesday, May 5, the family raised $11,401 of their $15,000 goal. Click here to learn more.

Watch the video below:


SEE ALSO:


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here