11 year old chops trees for families in need

KELLOGG — Canyon Elementary student Gabriel Beaman, though just 11 years old, is inspiring others by finding his own way to make a difference at Christmas time.

Beaman’s mom said that Gabriel and his family spend many weekends together driving mountain roads, and that last year while out exploring around Christmas time they had the idea to let Gabriel, his sister and her friend each harvest a Christmas tree to brighten up the holiday season for others.

Armed with a hatchet, Gabriel chopped down the three trees himself, and together the kids donated them to the Rathdrum Senior Center.

This year, when asked if he would like to continue the tradition, Beaman’s mom said repeating the process was something Gabriel didn't hesitate to do.

“We asked Gabriel and he was like ‘Yes, let's do that thing. Give me the saw, give me the hatchet, where are we going?’" she said.

Though this year his sister was unable to accompany him, Gabriel took charge — cutting one tree to donate himself and one to donate in his sister's name.

The trees were given to the Wishing Star Foundation via City Thrift to be donated to families who are unable to get a tree on their own.

Although Gabriel asks nothing in return, his mother said the family and City Thrift have found a way to surprise him for his hard work.

“Someone who had received one of the trees this year sent a picture back to City Thrift, all decorated. Gabriel hasn’t seen the decorated tree yet, and he will see it for the first time when we show him it in the paper.”

When asked how proud she is of her son's willing heart, Beaman’s mother became teary and said, “My son has a unique ability to look at a situation and see what it needs in a practical way and approach it with empathy."

She added, "it’s more than being proud of him. He just dives into any opportunity to do something bigger. The man that he’s becoming is exemplary, and it’s even more than I think his dad or I could have even hoped for.”