Parenting

4-Year-Old Sacrifices Allowance And New Toys To Feed Homeless Instead

by Thea Glassman
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Image via CBS/Twitter

Austin Perine is an actual superhero for his city

Be prepared for your heart to explode in the very best way possible. 4-year-old Austin Perine is the real-life superhero of Birmingham, Alabama, tearing through the city streets and handing out food to the homeless as he goes. Yes, there’s video footage of him in action and yes, you will weep because there is still good in the world.

As soon as Perine realized that people who were homeless and hungry in his city, he decided he needed to step up to the plate. He asked his parents to take any money they would have spent on allowance and toys, and instead buy bags of food that he can distribute to those in need. So, already this kid is literally a shining star and pint-sized humanitarian. Then, he went and turned himself into a superhero. Bright red cape and all.

His alter ego’s name is President Austin, and he doesn’t just hand out food. He also imparts a little bit of wisdom. “Don’t forget to show love,” Perine says as he hands out a sandwich, and then zooms way to find the next person in need.

“That’s his idea of what the president is supposed to do,” said TJ Perine, Austin’s father, told CBS News. “I was like, buddy, you have no idea, but hey, I’m going along with it.”

So, why does President Austin do what he does? His reasoning is pretty simple. “You know what, it’s just the right thing to do,” he told CBS. Oh yeah, and later he turned to the camera and said: “Feeding the homeless is the highlight of my life.”

Yup, told you that your heart would completely burst. Let’s hear it for kids who care deeply about people’s well-being, and their parents for raising mini-superheroes.

The Twitterverse was pretty much imploding with love for Birmingham’s youngest good samaritan.

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/992944894527311877https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/992857652505075713

If you want to throw on your own red cape, head over to Perine’s Facebook page where you can donate to his cause. Also, #PresidentAustion2049? We’ll all be (not so) patiently waiting.

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