Walker Hayes Is Paying It Forward With ‘Be a Craig’ Fund

Walker Hayes is embodying the meaning of his song "Craig" with the launch of a new campaign. The country has started a charity effort called the "Be a Craig" Fund that generates money for people in need and recognizes the everyday heroes of the world.

Hayes' friend, Craig, inspired the song with a selfless acts of kindness that changed the country singer's life. Hayes and his family were in a time of need, financially, and a man named Craig donated a van to them so the father of many could have a safe vehicle to transport his kids.

In addition to donating to the "Be a Craig" Fund, people can submit stories about themselves or others in need for the chance to receive a donation.

"I wanna be a ‘Craig.’ I want to be more selfless and look outward. I want to give back and this fund allows us to do so, together," Hayes says. "Craig" is the final track on Hayes' debut album, Boom, and arguably the most impactful. It's a token of his gratitude to the man who changed his family's for the better.

"He tells the story of him hearing it as he was having a couple of bad weeks and was really down and dark. I just sent it to him, out of the blue. I sent it to him and his wife and just said, ‘Thanks. I always wanted to just say thanks,’" Hayes previously told Taste of Country. "It crushed him. He listened to it in the parking lot of a theater and his wife texted me and said ‘He heard it, he can’t speak. He can’t text you right now.’ I think he was just losing it, crying."

Hayes and his family recently experienced a devastating loss: the death of their seventh child. Oakleigh Klover was born on June 8 and died the same day, though a cause has not been revealed. "It is with great sadness that Laney and I share with you the news that our sweet Oakleigh Klover Hayes was born this morning at the hospital and now is safely in heaven," Hayes shared with fans. He also turned to Instagram in the days following to write a heartfelt post for his wife on their 14th anniversary.

Walker Hayes and Other Artists Who Have Tragically Lost Children