Whiz Kids: Prager Brothers Raise Money to Help the Homeless

Making the world a better place requires everyone to pitch in—even the youngest among us.

Four-and-a-half-year-old Matthew Prager and his 8-year-old brothers, Alex and Jacob, did their part Friday afternoon when they donated money to help the homeless. With Mayor and Santa Monica Police Department Homeless Liaison Officers Jacob Halloway and Robert Martinez present, the three brothers deposited $90.27 into the Dolphin sculpture. The money will go to Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.'s Dolphin Change Program, which collects money for local social-service organizations that provide assistance to homeless individuals.

Four-year-old Matthew Prager was inspired to start the fundraising effort after learning about homelessness in his pre-school class. To raise money, he and his brothers set up a table at the farmers market and sold homemade hot chocolate, brownies and Rice Krispy treats.

Jacob Prager said he hopes the money will go to , a Santa Monica-based nonprofit network of shelters and services that is geared toward individuals who are homeless or have low-income status.

The boys, who plan to do another Dolphin Change Program fundraiser in the near future, will be recognized at the Westside Shelter & Hunger Coalition's 15th annual Celebrating Success Breakfast, to be held later this year.

Want to recommend a young person who has made extraordinary accomplishments in the Santa Monica community, for feature in "Whiz Kid"? Drop a line to Kurt.Orzeck@patch.com.

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