Here’s a great feel-good story for everyone. Sixteen-year-old Eric Levenson from Portsmouth, NH spent the month of July hiking the 275-mile Long Trail through Vermont – and raised money for charity for his efforts. Before Eric set out on his adventure, he had raised $6,000 for the Friends Project, a Portsmouth based nonprofit that provides social and recreational opportunities for teens and young adults with disabilities. By the time Eric emerged from the woods, his total had reached nearly $8,000, as other hikers pledged their own donations when they learned of Eric’s cause.

Says Nancy Clayburgh, co-founder of the Friends Project,

We’re very grateful. It was a tough year, like so many nonprofits, for fund-raising and with Eric’s efforts we’re right on track for next year. And to think it came from a 16-year-old who wanted to hike the Long Trail and who wanted to use that effort to raise money for the disabled. To have that insight at his age, that’s very impressive. He’s a wonderful young man.

Visit Seacoast Online to read the full article and www.friendsproject.org to learn more about the Friends Project.