Portland Boy's $11 Gift Inspires $7,000 Donation to Maine Needs

Seven-year-old Eli LaMartina's small act of generosity sparks an outpouring of community support for the non-profit organization.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Seven-year-old Eli LaMartina donated his $11 piggy bank savings to the Maine Needs donation center in Portland. His act of generosity inspired over 400 people to make their own $11 donations, resulting in more than $7,000 being raised for the non-profit group that helps Mainers in need.

Why it matters

Eli's small donation highlights the power of leading by example, especially when children demonstrate compassion and a willingness to help others. The overwhelming community response shows how one person's act of kindness can inspire a ripple effect of generosity within a local community.

The details

Eli visited the Maine Needs donation center earlier this month with his $11 in savings, hoping to do some good. After the organization shared his story on social media, hundreds of people were inspired to make their own $11 donations, either individually or for each member of their family. In less than a week, the donations totaled over $7,000, far exceeding the initial gift.

  • Eli made his $11 donation to Maine Needs on February 7, 2026.
  • The outpouring of community support occurred in the days immediately following Eli's donation.

The players

Eli LaMartina

A 7-year-old boy from Portland, Maine who donated his $11 piggy bank savings to the Maine Needs non-profit organization.

Leigh LaMartina

Eli's mother, who accompanied him to make the donation and helped share the story.

Angela Stone

The founder and executive director of Maine Needs, who accepted Eli's donation and shared the story on social media.

Maine Needs

A non-profit organization based in Portland, Maine that helps get essential items to those in need across the state.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes the kids know best, the kids know how to act and how to make things happen. Sometimes kids can inspire adults in ways other adults can't.”

— Angela Stone, Founder and Executive Director, Maine Needs (centralmaine.com)

“If adults can see kids helping kids, then they will want to help kids too.”

— Eli LaMartina (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

Maine Needs plans to use the $7,000 in donations to continue providing essential items and support to families and individuals in need across the state of Maine.

The takeaway

Eli's small act of generosity demonstrates the powerful impact that one person, especially a child, can have on inspiring an entire community to come together and make a difference. This story highlights the importance of leading by example and the ripple effects that can occur when people are moved to give back.