A 9-year-old Albemarle County girl is doing her part to help feed hungry families in central Virginia and she is doing it with the help of some very talented friends.
While most fourth graders were off playing this weekend, Ryleigh Katstra hosted a benefit for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
The theme was ‘Jump for Joy.' With the help of Explorations Play Studio, a photographer, and a very excited room full of kids, Ryleigh raised money and filled empty food bins.
Families had the chance to get their pictures taken professionally, with a portion of the proceeds going to the food bank. In addition, those who brought food were entered in a drawling to receive a free print.
Ryleigh has been organizing food drives for two years. She has collected thousands of pounds of food, helping feed more than 3,000 people. She says it is her passion to help those who are less fortunate than she is.
Ryleigh's mother, Michelle Katstra, stated, "It's impressive to be nine and to have this urge and sense of wanting to help, and a sense of community at that age."
Her mom says Ryleigh's passion for helping others started when she read her an article about a young girl who set out to collect food for the hungry. She says since that day, Ryleigh, completely on her own, has set up food drives, passed out flyers and volunteered her time.
