I imagine we all can remember a time in our lives when we have interacted with someone who just reminds us that there is a lot of good in the world.

Last week, I received such a reminder during an interview with a 2009 Herald-Star Community Star award winner.

The reminder came from a 10-year-old boy who already has a sense of good ingrained in his life. In just the past 12 months, this youngster has logged 50 volunteer hours with the American Red Cross Jefferson County Chapter. Basically, he has done more volunteering in the last year than most of us do in our entire lives.

Simply put, Hayden Christoff, a fifth-grade student at Wintersville Elementary School, is amazing. He first showed his volunteer spirit at age 6 when he spent some time each week cleaning his great-grandmother's house. Meeting someone like Hayden really made me stop, rethink my priorities and ponder what is really important in life.

When I asked Hayden why he enjoys volunteering, he simply said, "I like knowing that I can help someone out. It just makes me feel good." His response made me feel good. To meet a 10-year-old who understands the importance of helping others gave me some hope.

Perhaps, just perhaps, the world we are living in does have the potential to get better and better.

One thing I noticed over the years is this: Some folks look at volunteering as an unwanted chore. But not Hayden. He already has experienced the joy that comes from helping others. During the 2008-09 school year, he organized a penny drive at his school. Every Wednesday he skipped recess and went around to each classroom to collect spare change. Most pupils would never dream of giving up that cherished free time. The act didn't bother Hayden.

"I didn't mind skipping recess one day a week, knowing that I was doing a good deed," he told me when we discussed the penny drive. "I plan on doing it again this year."

It certainly would be great if more area youngsters would follow in Hayden's footsteps. Further, hopefully area adults will read this story and be inspired to step up and volunteer their time and talents.

I want to thank Hayden for all he has done to help the local Red Cross chapter. I also want to thank him for providing me with a positive reminder.

(Looman can be contacted at jlooman@heraldstaronline.com.)