Berlin, Conn. – When Landon Nguyen turned ten, his parents gifted him a 3‑D printer, and the young entrepreneur has been turning it into a vehicle for service ever since. The eighth‑grade student now creates a range of printed items – from animal figurines to custom hype chains – and sells them to classmates, friends and local shoppers.
Monthly charity model
Each month Landon selects a nonprofit to support. For September, he partnered with Berlin Kiosks, the town’s beloved gift‑shop, to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The foundation was founded after the September 11 attacks to honor a fallen firefighter and now provides assistance to injured first responders, veterans and their families.
“I overheard a kid at The Big E ask for a 3‑D printed dragon and hear his mom say they couldn’t afford it,” Landon recalled. “That stuck with me. I wanted to make quality items affordable for everyone and give back to the community.”
What’s being sold
For the fundraiser Landon is offering a 3‑D printed replica of the iconic Kneeling Fireman statue that stands in New York City, along with remembrance magnets. Each piece takes anywhere from thirty minutes to six hours to print and finish, but the effort is modest compared to the impact.
“He started selling toys at school and it just blew up,” said his father, Scott Nguyen. “Now he’s using his hobby to help those who gave so much for our safety.”
Local ties to 9/11
Berlin Kiosks owners Shelly Monica and her husband, Paul Viezer, have a personal connection to the cause. Paul served as a lieutenant on the day of the attacks and was among the first responders at Ground Zero. The couple said Paul finds it difficult to speak about the experience, preferring to let the work speak for itself.
“When we asked Paul to appear on camera, he declined,” Monica explained. “He lets his actions—supporting the Tunnel to Towers fundraiser—do the talking.”
Impact and future goals
Last year Landon and the Kiosks raised just over $1,000 for the foundation. This September he hopes to double that amount, driven by the belief that “giving back makes me happy.” The young maker also dreams of becoming a firefighter or EMT when he’s older, a goal that aligns with the mission of the organization he supports.
“A lot of people helped me when I started, and that’s why I want to give back,” Landon said. “It’s a way to honor the heroes who protect us every day.”
Community response
Local residents have praised the initiative, noting how it blends entrepreneurship, technology and charitable spirit. The effort underscores Berlin’s tradition of neighborly support and showcases how even the youngest citizens can contribute to the welfare of first‑responders and veterans.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
