Donations poured in after an electric wheelchair was stolen from a teen with cerebral palsy. Instead of accepting the financial support, the generous teen gave it all to a community organization.

An unknown suspect stole 19-year-old Baze Mitchell’s electric wheelchair from his front porch in Albany, Georgia. The teen suffers from cerebral palsy and for a week, he was forced to walk to campus and his respective classes.

Seeing Mitchell’s plight, the community wanted to pitch in and help him, sending donations and moral support. Surprisingly, the teen refused to accept any help or sympathy. Instead, he gave all donations to Stop the Violence, an organization dedicated to deterring young people from criminal activity, and Strive2Thrive, an organization that empowers families suffering from poverty.

Mitchell explained his intent in a single quote, “I believe if you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime. If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day.”

Mitchell asked the community to channel their support to these organizations and to strike at the root of the problem. The teen used his struggle not to focus on his own plight, but to prevent people from becoming victims and perpetrators of violence themselves.

Hearing the teen’s selfless plea for support, local community members have been channeling donations and support for these organizations. Mayor Dorothy Hubbard of Albany commends the teen and is asking everyone to follow suit.

“When things happen to you, you don’t just lay down…You keep on trying,” Hubbard said. “And that’s what we’re doing here today. We’re just going to keep on trying.”

Insurance has replaced and paid for a new wheelchair for Mitchell.