ORANGE PARK – A local family needs your help recuperating funeral costs after the death of their 11-year-old.

Colden Perrie was a force of positivity and a fountain of love to those that knew him. He lived with his aunt, Amanda Johns, who had custody of him and her family is trying to recoup $8,300 in unexpected costs for Perrie’s funeral. They could use all they help they can get.

“My wife had guardianship of him,” Charles Johns said. “All of his insurance came through my work and it helped with some costs, but the hospital bills were a lot and it made it even harder to pay for his funeral as well.”

Johns said he and his wife are looking for any kind of help from the community. Perrie already had a wide network of support built around him, as evident from the countless Facebook posts made earlier this month that detail why the 11-year-old effected so many friends and loved ones.

Johns said that the community of support has already helped him in ways he never imagined. He already recouped roughly $4,000 through a GoFundMe account, leaving a $4,300 balance.

“Colden is so loved at our school,” Isabella Cruz said. “His smile and laugh were contagious. He has such a good heart and loves his Aunt Amanda. I miss him running our campus. I also miss him being silly in my classroom and taking his shoes off. That was our little joke because he knows how much I hate feet. He would do it anyway, laugh and just wait until I noticed. I love that little boy so much.”

Perrie’s family understands everyone isn’t in a situation to help out, especially in a world plagued by COVID-19. But even a word of positivity or a happy memory of Perrie could go a long way to uplifting the loved ones Perrie left behind.

“He has made an impact on my life as a teacher,” Cruz continued. “I’m a better person and teacher, having known him and having taught him. His family is supported and loved by everyone here [at Charles E. Bennett Elementary].”

Cruz’s comments can be found on a Facebook post made by Amanda Johns earlier this month and it sits alongside dozens of other comments that express similar feelings about Perrie.

“He is such a special kid to me and I always thought of him as one of my own kids,” Jordan Mitchell said. “He was always nice to my son and included him in things.”

Heather Johnston said Perrie was a quiet jokester with a “Mona Lisa” way about him, “serious but still so cute and funny.” Brooklyn Marie said he was such a bright light in her life and capable of making anyone smile no matter what kind of day you were having.

“That’s just the kind of kid he was,” Charles Johns said. “He touched so many lives.”

If you want to help Johns’ family out, donations can be made to Darren’s Customs in Green Cove Springs, 3 Palmetto Ave. They are aware there that people might be donating to help the Johns recoup funeral costs so tell them that’s what you want to do when you arrive.