By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Thirteen-year-old boys are busy, but one Steiner Ranch teen is especially occupied. He is a student, active in athletics, and – most recently – a social advocate.

Timothy Barney, an 8th grader at Canyon Ridge Middle School, assembles and delivers bags of toiletries and accessory items to homeless men and women. He calls his project, Swag A Bag, and he is requesting the community’s help.

Barney came up with Swag A Bag after helping his mother and her friends prepare and deliver

food once a month to the homeless. “I saw the need that these less fortunate people have for small items that we, especially kids, take for granted – items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo as well as socks,” Barney said.

Timothy Barney, 13-year-old Steiner Ranch resident, at a delivery run in January handing out food and bags he fills with toiletries and accessories for those in need. He handed out 75 bags that trip. He helps prepare the sandwiches and loads the food truck as well.

He uses his own money and receives a matching funds from his parents to buy Swag A Bag items. “I put together the bags and I personally hand deliver them once a month when my mother and her friends go out to feed the homeless. Each person gets a bag of food and a Swag A Bag. We usually go downtown for this,” he said.

Barney is asking for donations of travel-size toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hand lotion and also brand new socks. “I keep a donation bin on the front porch at my house or I can even ride my bike to collect the items or I can always ask my mother to pick them up,” Barney said.

Email Barney at trianasaurus@yahoo.com if you wish to contribute or have items for him to come pick up.

“With everyone’s help,” Barney said, “we can make these people’s lives a little bit better.”

Timothy Barney, 13-year-old Steiner Ranch resident, assembles and delivers bags of toiletries and accessories, such as much needed socks, along with lunches to people in need in downtown Austin. The Canyon Ridge Middle School 8th grader makes deliveries with the help of his mom. Email Barney at trianasaurus@yahoo.com if you wish to contribute items.