Thank you coronavirus helpers: 7-year-old North Carolina boy runs backyard ‘marathon’ to raise money for community hospitals, nonprofits during COVID-19 pandemic [Video]

WILMINGTON N.C. — A 7-year-old North Carolina boy is proof that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

Steven Burgess is staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with schools closed until at least May 15.

However, he came up with a plan to not only help others, but get some time outside in his backyard.

According to ABC-affiliate WWAY, Burgess’s mom, Eliza Burgess, said he decided he would run for six hours in his backyard to raise money for hospitals, food banks, and missions in his community like Vigilant Hope, Meals for Heroes and Nourish NC.

“It started out as something fun to do,” Eliza Burgess said. “Then, I saw he was serious about it, so I thought, ‘Let’s share this and uplift some people.’ I have been blown away by the amount of people who want to donate.”

Around 37,000 steps later, Steven Burgess raised more than $1,500.

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