HAWK POINT – Luke Flerlage was just three years old, volunteering alongside his dad, Mike, filling Alleluia Baskets. On the drive home, Luke shared these words, “I want them to have more items in their baskets.”

Those words coupled with Luke’s vision, was the start to this young boy’s mission.

Alleluia Baskets is a nonprofit organization that has been providing fun-filled Easter baskets to children of all ages living in shelters, temporary homes and low economic communities for 20 years. Founded by Karen Mesler, the organization is based out of O’Fallon.

Luke, adamant to help, started organizing a local family trivia night in 2023.

“I wanted to go with my parents to a trivia night and could not, I wasn’t old enough, it was for adults. I decided I wanted to do my own trivia night based around family, so I did that,” said the Hawk Point Elementary student.

Luke’s initial goal that year was to raise $10,000 for Alleluia Baskets to purchase a trailer so they could provide mobile options to families. He exceeded that goal by $2,000, totaling $12,000 that year alone at only seven years old.

The organization was able to purchase the trailer and put it to good use. The “Hop Up” trailer allows parents to come and personalize baskets for their children. It hops around St. Louis and recently landed in Old Monroe this year.

In 2024, at age eight, Luke raised $14,500 with community support.

“He continues to amaze us; we call it his passion project. He loves it, we support him. You are never too young to give,” his mom Beverly explained.

In Lincoln County alone, the organization has provided baskets to more than 7,000 children. The Key and Bridges of Hope are just a couple local resource centers that Alleluia Baskets has donated to. They have a large list of organizations they reach out to yearly in both Missouri and Illinois.

“Give with an open heart,” is all Luke would ask of his community when considering supporting his fundraiser.

“I appreciate all the sponsors and supporters that have helped me over the years, especially Karen Mesler, Knights of Columbus, Ladies Auxiliary, RJ and Brendan and last but not least, my parents,” said Luke, expressing his gratitude.

The ambitious nine-year-old will be holding his third annual trivia night Sunday, Sept. 21st at the Troy Knights of Columbus Hall. The family friendly event kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Anyone can donate directly to Luke’s mission by going to https://www.alleluiabaskets.org/