TOWNSEND — Nick Bryant is 16 years old and still remembers the moment he decided he would spend his next few birthdays collecting water bottles for the homeless.
He was 10 years old when he heard the radio say that it was going to be a really hot summer. It was in that moment he knew he wanted to lend a helping hand.
"It feels good to help and I just want to help as much as I can," Bryant said.
Years later Bryant is still collecting water. Over the past few years he has partnered with Knoxville Area rescue Ministries to make his wish happen.
"I'm pretty sure he collected about 400 cases of water this year," Director of Rescue Tony Harris said.
Bryant said every year he coordinates with his church and uses Facebook to get the word out.
"It's impactful because we always need help and so this way we always know we will have water," Harris said.
Bryant said he does plan to continue with his mission each year, helping keep the community hydrated one case of water at a time.