At the age of 14, Trey Melvin is doing some amazing things.

Trey, who is in the eighth grade at Stivers School for the Arts, 1313 E. Fifth St., was inspired to create his own newsletter on his computer which he calls The Melvin Gazette. He is not only the founder but editor, writer, photographer, printer and promoter of his newspaper, and also helps see that it is circulated monthly to fellow students.

"I do get help and support and encouragement from my friends," he said.

Trey said he realized, early on, that he had the ability with his newsletter to "get good things done."

He said: "I decided that the paper could promote an event that would benefit the entire community. I sometimes would lie in bed at night trying to think of what kind of a project we could get behind."

Early one morning he got out of bed, and signed on to his computer a little after 1 a.m. and began to research Dayton area nonprofit organizations.

He said he found information on The Dayton Foundation "which just popped up."

He added, "When it said they had a mission of charitable giving to meet needs in the community it caught my eye."

Christine Smith, public relations officer for the Foundation, located in the Kettering Tower downtown, said Trey called later that day.

"He told me he wanted to use his newspaper to promote a fundraiser to benefit the community and that he found us online," Smith said. "I can't recall a time when a 14-year-old student has called out of the blue to say he wanted to raise money for our organization — or any organization. He's an amazing young man who expresses a great deal of passion and determination about making a difference in the community."

She added: "The incredible thing is that this is not a class or school project. It is entirely Trey's idea."

His project is called Making a Way on Valentine's Day. He kicked it off last week and it will come to a conclusion on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.

"I am making money by using The Melvin Gazette to help promote fundraising events," Trey said. "Right now we are selling candy. I also have in my possession a $100 gift card for the Target stores which was donated, and we will raffle that off. And we are considering other ways to bring in money. It is my goal to make $800 by Feb. 14."

Smith said the money raised by Trey and his friends at Stivers will go to the Foundation's Emerging Community Needs Fund. She explained, "It is an unrestricted fund that helps the Foundation award grants to Greater Miami Valley not-for-profit organizations."

There is more good news for Trey's fundraising project.

Mike Parks, the president of The Dayton Foundation, said that members of the Foundation's Governing Board have decided to help Trey and his fellow students in their efforts to make a difference.

"Our board members are making personal donations to create a challenge grant to match the students' efforts," Parks said. "Money is still coming in but we could possibly triple the amount the students make."

Parks continued: "It is great to encourage young people this way. Trey and his fellow students are to be commended for their compassion and commitment. We think it is wonderful."

Smith added: "At a time when most of what you hear or read about in the news involves troubled youth, Trey gives us a story of hope. This is an example for kids and adults alike."