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Victor Baidal, Inspiring Nine-Year-Old

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By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --  Victor Baidal, 9, is a self-proclaimed "old soul."  He likes soccer and Michael Jackson, but isn't a fan of video games.

What he loves most, though, is helping those who are less fortunate.

"I think I was just born with the kindness," says Victor, who is attends Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School.  "When I see someone sitting there on the street, I just look for, like, a penny or a nickel or anything, and give it to them," he says.

Last month, the fourth-grader says, he was inspired by a YouTube sensation known as "Kid President" to do something awesome to help others.

"We thought we could make a food drive so we could help people feel better about themselves," says Victor, who got his entire family (below) involved.

baidal family VWCC _gregg
(The Baidal family. Photo by Cherri Gregg)

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The Baidals staged a food and sock drive to benefit the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, near 13th and Spring Garden Streets.  The family put out a call to neighbors, friends at Jefferson Hospital, and others.

"I'm very proud of my son," says Alex Baidal, Victor's father. "He is a unique child and I try to encourage any type of activity that he does. I look forward to seeing where this gift he has takes us."

The family gathered the food and delivered it to the mission earlier this month. Victor says they are still working on collecting 200 pairs of socks.

"That's our goal," he says, "but every one really helped out."

And of course his mother is proud.

"He wants the best for everybody, and he asks for money all the time to give to the poor," says April Baidal, Victor's mother.  "It's really because of him that we do all of this -- we realize we are blessed, and it's nice to be able to help others."

So is his brother.

"I think this is good for a lot of people," says Miles Baidal.  "There are a lot of people who don't have what we have."

As for Victor, he's just getting started in his quest to create something that will make the world a better place.

"I want to make people happy," he says.  "I will keep trying, never give up, and make the world awesome!"

Hear the podcast...

Victor Baidal and Family

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