7th grader honored for organizing toy drive

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - An Albuquerque mid school student is a prime example of the kind of holiday sharing and caring we could always use more of.
   
Justin Bates, a 7th grader at Cleveland Middle School, held a toy drive for the Toys for Tots program.
  
Justin and his classmates gathered toys and money to help the less fortunate this year and it got the attention of the mayor and the city.
  
Mayor R.J. Berry and Major brain Cillessen with the U.S. Marine Corps made a special visit to Justin and his classmates Monday to say thank you.
  
Justin says he just wanted to help.

"Over the years I got plenty of toys. I have toys covering my room stuff I play with every day, but I felt like I had enough and wanted to give back,” Justin Bates said.
  
In honor of Justin’s generosity, the mayor gave Justin and his family unlimited access to the Albuquerque BioPark for the next year.