9-year-old Evan Hunter creates a foundation to support veterans with a special ‘thank you’

BREWER, Maine (WABI) -What started as a simple “Thank you” to local Veterans turned into an operation.

Although school was out for Veterans Day, nine-year-old Evan Hunter got up bright and early to get to Box of Maine and help pack 300 Maine Soldier Boxes.

At just five-years-old, Evan asked his mom how he could give back to veterans and show appreciation.

That’s when ‘Evan’s Veterans Project’ was born.

“I raise money with a cornhole tournament every year, and then on Veterans Day, I buy gift cards,” said Hunter.

Going on his fourth year of the project, Evan has raised over $10,000 with community support helping his foundation create gift cards, mail them to more than one thousand veterans residing in 44 states and supporting local organizations like the Maine Veterans Project, House In The Woods, and much more.

His mother Ada Hunter told us he made 579 Veterans Day cards this year.

“I put like thank you for your service, we love veterans like you,” said Hunter.

He will scout out veterans plates in the community and sprinkle a little joy on their windshield, his favorite part of the project.

You may wonder what could motivate a nine-year-old to understand the impact he’s making, but Evan tells us it aligns with the values he’s been taught.

“I believe that the veterans should get a little more respect because of what they did for us,” said Hunter.

His mom is extremely proud of what her son has done and hopes it carries on later in his life.

“As time goes on, the world gets a little bit harder and a little bit tougher, so I hope that these are core memories that he remembers and he can pass down to his kids but just kindness is free, and it doesn’t take much to make somebody’s day, just a little card is really all it takes most of the time,” said Ada.

Before Evan wrapped up his efforts at Box of Maine, he had to do what he does best.

Sharing a token of gratitude to our brave veterans thanking them for being America’s heroes.

To support Evan’s Veterans Project, follow the link to their Facebook page.