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LIBERTY TWP. – Some people go a lifetime before they make a difference in the lives of others, let alone receive national attention because of it.

Drew Friend did it before turning 5.

Film crews from "The Oprah Winfrey Show" captured a nearly two-hour procession of area residents who turned out Sunday, April 13, for "Drew's Big Give" at Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Jill Hamad of West Chester Twp. heard about the event via a relative's e-mail and showed up with two bags filled with new toys and games.

She brought along 5-year-old son Sam so he could see the "big give" in action and meet Drew.

"I thought it was a great lesson," Hamad said, "a great example."

The event sprang forth from Drew's birthday wish that a new batch of toys slated for delivery on his fifth birthday — Thursday, April 17 — be sent instead to those in need.

Jeannie O'Shaughnessey, Drew's pre-school teacher at the church, used the charitable idea to send e-mails encouraging parents to donate necessary household items to a local family in need.

So far, the church's efforts have helped two Liberty Twp. families, one in Middletown, one in Trenton and a second-year college student in Toledo.

Judging by the amount of items donated, it seems like "Drew's Big Give" is on its way to helping many more families and individuals.

More than three dozen congregants transferred a wide array of items, including toys, clothing, furniture, electronics, appliances and bicycles from residents' vehicles to two moving trucks, filling one to capacity.

Procter & Gamble's Tide division presented a check for $10,000.

Drew's parents, Shannon and Jeff Friend of Monroe, said the "big give" effort will continue until there are "no more items coming in and no more needing to go out."

"The Oprah Winfrey Show" episode featuring "Drew's Big Give" is tentatively scheduled to air Monday, April 21, said Brad Opperman, the show's associate producer.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or eschwartzberg@coxohio.com.

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