Microsoft has recognized a 9-year-old boy’s selflessness with a brand new Xbox One S reward.
Mikah Frye
As the holiday season approaches, giving and receiving presents is at the forefront of many people’s’ minds. However, there are many that are less fortunate and may be left out in the cold — in some cases, literally — when it comes to spreading holiday cheer. Mikah Frye, a 9-year-old from Ashland County, Ohio, made the selfless decision to give up the Xbox One he was receiving for Christmas to buy 30 blankets for local homeless people.
Mikah’s actions quickly went viral as an example of selflessness and giving back during a season that has become highly commercialized. For a young kid to give up a new video game system in order to help the poor shows an example of strong values and moral character, and Microsoft felt that these actions should be rewarded.
The Ashland Church Community Emergency Shelter Services was the charity that benefited from Mikah’s rewards, and was an organization that his family themselves took advantage of when they had fallen on hard times. Mikah also included handwritten notes with each blanket, wishing the homeless the best of luck as they work to improve their situation.
“They gave me a blanket, but I had to leave it. That’s why I want you to have your own blanket … Today, I live in my own house, and someday you will too. Your friend Mikah.”
In an interview with Fox 8, Frye’s grandmother, Terry Brant, explained that Frye’s own experiences with homelessness likely drove his desire to give back. While out with his family, Mikah noticed homeless individuals out in the cold, and that was the point that he made his decision.
“He knew what it was like to not have a blanket at night and have to give it back…So the first thing he wanted to do is give a blanket that they could keep.”
The Xbox One S Reward
While Mikah was more than willing to give up his new system in an effort to help the poor, Microsoft has recognized his actions with a free Minecraft-themed Xbox One S reward. The company also threw in a few games and accessories for good measure, ensuring that Mikah will have what he needs to enjoy the new console on Christmas day.
When Mikah’s grandmother got the information that Microsoft planned to give him an Xbox One S reward for his selflessness, she was incredibly excited and grateful that his charity was recognized and rewarded.
“When they called and told me I was just instantly crying on the phone and I couldn’t believe it.”
A quick trip to the Microsoft store after the phone call had Mikah met with a round of applause from store employees, and he left with his new Xbox One S reward in hand. In a season where many think of themselves, it’s refreshing and inspiring to see someone so young focus their efforts on giving back.
