A Cortez first-grader decided to give an early Christmas present to the Bridge Emergency Shelter this year.

Abram Keel, 6, put a cardboard box labeled “Help the Homeless” in his front yard during the shelter’s annual yard sale fundraiser. He asked passersby to donate 5 cents. By the end of the day, he had raised about $53, which his grandmother Deb Keel, a regular volunteer at the shelter, delivered for him.

Abram said many people were happy to drop money in the box.

“It said ‘5 cents,’ but a lot of people gave a dollar,” he said.

Abram said he wanted the money to help homeless people find homes.

Laurie Knutson, executive director of the Bridge, thanked him for his contribution, saying it was “sweet.”

The Bridge accepts donations of money and goods such as blankets, nonperishable food and clothing year-round. To find out more, go to thebridgeshelter.org or call 970-565-9808.