Published: May 16, 2008 01:35 am            

Project J continues ‘random acts of kindness’

In memory of Jonathan Wilson, who lost his life while helping others

MONUMENTAL — Jonathan Wilson was known for helping people out and performing acts of kindness for friends, neighbors and even strangers, said his mother, Debbie Wilson.

And although Jonathan lost his life in an automobile accident last August, Debbie is making sure that Jonathan’s good deeds continue.

Debbie Wilson has founded Project J in memory of her son. Project J is a nonprofit organization she says will be used to continue Jonathan’s “random acts of kindness.”

The organization is holding a Longaberger Basket bingo Sunday at the Rivesville Volunteer Fire Department starting at 2 p.m. Seats at the bingo may be had for a $20 donation, Wilson said.

The proceeds from the bingo will be used to purchase necessity bags that will be filled with personal care items and given to families of critically ill children in the PIC unit at WVU Hospitals. The funds raised will also be used to purchase rocking chairs for the families at the hospital unit.

Project J will also provide a $1,000-a-year scholarship for a student in need. Monetary donations will also be given to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Foundation in Jonathan’s name. Prader-Willi Syndrome is a disorder that causes obesity and death. Jonathan’s 5-year-old nephew Jayden has been afflicted with the disease.

Project J began in October of last year, Wilson said. She said she began the project because Jonathan was always so giving and she plans on continuing to help people out in honor of her son.

“I don’t want anyone to forget him,” Wilson said.

Jonathan Wilson was killed in the early morning hours of Aug. 9, 2007, near the Goshen Road exit in Monongalia County. He had stopped to help a stranded motorist along the interstate when he was struck by a car.

Wilson said that it was not uncommon for her son to help anyone in need regardless of the circumstances. Sitting at her kitchen table last Wednesday, she looked through a few cards that her son had given her while he was alive.

She also gazed at a Superman shirt that her son, an avid fan of the cartoon and comic book character, often wore. The shirt is now covered with messages scrawled by his many friends.

“He was my Superman,” said a tearful Crystal Wilson, Jonathan’s sister. “He always took care of me.”

The house is surrounded by mementos of Jonathan. One of the last tasks he performed for his mother was to place an air conditioner in her window. The machine has not been moved since. He also blew up an inflatable toy for his nephew. The toy still sits on the porch almost nine months later.

“His breath is still in there,” Debbie Wilson said, pointing at the toy.

Even though the time has begun to pass, the Wilson family still has questions that need answered. For example, they are still looking for the lady who found Jonathan as he lay on Toms Run Road. They are asking that woman to contact them at 363-8973.

As for Project J, Wilson will continue to operate the nonprofit as long as “there’s breath in my body,” she said.

She added that she hopes the bingo is a huge success. There will be two baskets raffled off along with the other items won at the bingo. One of the baskets to be raffled will contain items from the Mountain State. The other basket is filled with wash cloths and towels.

E-mail Paul Fallon at pfallon@timeswv.com.

        

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