Grandmother recycles bottles and cans to raise money to donate free swimming lessons

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Brenda Baker, of Bridgeport, lost her grandson four years ago to a drowning accident. "I was there when he came into the world." remembers Baker, "He was just my bright light and still is." Kasen Sean Baker had just turned 4 years old when he drowned in a pool in Florida. The loss devastated the family. Yet, she found motivation in tragedy. "I started to think of what he would be doing at this age." said Baker, "It's summer so what about swimming lessons." She always refunded recycled bottles and cans. Baker started to put the money aside to save enough to provide kids with free swimming lessons. On Wednesday, she presented a check to the Bridgeport YMCA. The check is enough to fund four children with free swimming lessons at The Y. "With this we can help more kids learn how to swim, learn the safety skills that are needed. It is greatly important especially in our Bridgeport community." said Bridgeport YMCA's aquatic director Justine Dupree. The kids were selected through the Fathers for Life program. A local initiative that supports fathers and helps them maintain relationship with their children. Robert Pinnock, Fathers for Life's program coordinator, said, "To have someone invest in the community they grew up is incredible, too." Baker continues to save and recycle bottles and cans and intends to donate again once she saves up enough money. "