When Karen Jones spotted her autistic son making himself birthday cards, she knew she had to do something to make the boy's upcoming birthday extra special.
Fearing that he would receive no birthday cards because he had no friends, Jones took to social media, pleading with strangers to send young Ollie a card or two. But this mother absolutely never expected what happened next.
Not only did her request touch the hearts of strangers (with her Facebook plea being shared over 25,000 times), but it spurred tens of thousands of people to take action and perform a small act of kindness.
With mere days to go before Ollie's fifteenth birthday, the cards began to pour in.
Now, with his birthday having passed in the most incredible way possible, the messages and signs of support continue to arrive, showing Ollie that he has the love of people all over the world.
Scroll through below for a look at this stunning story, which shows just how powerful a small act of kindness can really be.
Karen Jones put out a plea for help on social media in anticipation of her autistic son Ollie's upcoming birthday.
While she hoped to make it a special day for him, she absolutely never expected the response she got.
Karen posted this photo of some homemade birthday cards that Ollie had created for himself, also writing:
"HELP?? My autistic son is 15 shortly. He's just told me he loves opening cards to [the] extent he's made himself a couple.
"We are a small family and he has no friends so [he] gets very few. If you have an old one at [the] back of [the] cupboard, maybe you could send it to him??"
This mom also provided her family's address. And just days later? The unthinkable.
Not only did people send birthday cards, but tens of thousands of people sent birthday cards!
In advance of this 15th birthday, Ollie receieved over 20,000 birthday cards from all over the world, and they are still continuing to come in.
Karen writes on Facebook:
"What an amazing day! There is so much love and support out there. We will read every card but it will take time."
She continues:
"Floor was covered in various confetti and glitter… so much support, so many handmade and personal cards.
"Thank you thank you thank you… each and every card is just as important as the next."
This incredible outpouring of love and support has certainly made this the most unforgettable birthday possible for young Ollie.
His mom writes on Facebook that "he feels famous and is loving it (although he has said no cards next year mum!)… I need time to absorb the last few days and a chance to stop crying…"
Yet even though Karen and Ollie are thrilled beyond belief at the response, Karen is keenly aware that Ollie isn't alone in his situation.
She writes, "Please remember there are 'Ollies' everywhere."
With love coming all the way from places such as Australia and Cyprus, this amazing boy has had a birthday unlike any other.
This moving act of kindness just goes to show how powerful of an effect we can have on the lives of complete strangers.
What do you think of this overwhelming response to Karen's plea for birthday cards? Let us know in the comments.
Stay up-to-date with Ollie's story (or send a birthday card of your own) by checking out the Exmouth Community UK Facebook page.
And don't forget to please SHARE this beautiful and touching story with friends and family!
