From Yard Work to Philanthropy: Teen Raises $10,000 for Her Local Food Bank—And Aims to Double It!
This teen’s $10,000 Thanksgiving drive shows how one small idea can spark big change for her community
There has to be a way, 10-year-old Claire Guyader of San Luis Obispo, California, told herself when she was suddenly faced with an unexpected hurdle.
After doing gardening and yard work in the neighborhood with her friends, Rachel and Natalie, to raise money for charity, their efforts came to a halt when COVID prevented in-person contact.
“I’ve got it!” Claire told her friends as she explained her idea to start a gardening newsletter, R-N-C’s Gardening Tips and Tricks, to continue to raise funds through subscribers. They chose to focus on giving to the SLO Food Bank.
After three months, Claire took over the newsletter alone and was determined to go full-speed ahead. But, the longer she was involved with the SLO Food Bank, the more she became engrossed in their mission, especially with Thanksgiving on the horizon. Their work is so important! I need to spread the word to more people, her heart echoed.
In November of 2021, Claire launched her inaugural Thanksgiving Drive sponsored by Farm Supply, which raised $1,750. Then in 2022, Andrea Chavez, who runs the Talley Farms Box program, agreed to put Claire’s flyers in 7,000 of their weekly harvest boxes. And Ethan Ventura, the manager of Poor Richard’s Press, printed all the flyers for free. Their efforts helped exceed Claire’s expectations, bringing in more than $10,000. This year, the goal is to double that figure!
As for the recipients of Claire’s generosity, they’re blown away by her desire to serve. “I was excited to work with such a kindhearted individual,” says Ethan.
“We love Claire’s passion for helping the community!” says Lisa Loogman, Manager of Talley Farms.
As for her mother, she’s in awe of Claire. “There’s nothing greater than watching one’s child see beyond themselves and give back,” Ms. Guyader shares, overflowing with pride.
Claire, now a 14-year-old ninth-grader, finds making a difference and helping others such a gift. Having the opportunity to work with the former CEO of the SLO Food Bank, Garret Olson, touched her so deeply that she became an honorary SLO Food Bank employee at the age of 11.
“Knowing that I have the power to give back and inspire others is such a special feeling,” Claire beams. “I hope that others can be moved to look at how they can help people in their own communities.”
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
