Our EcoGenius: ZaNia Stinson and her Z Feeds Go-Go Bags Project
Today our #EcoGeniusYouth is ZaNia Stinson a 14-year-old girl who has made great strides to help the homeless in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
ZaNia Stinson. Photo Charlotte Observer
After growing up in a women’s shelter, ZaNia Stinson founded her project, Z Feeds Go-Go Bags, when she was just 9 years old. «I did this to help others because I know what it feels like to have no food and nowhere to stay,» Stinson said.
She collected donations of food and toiletries from supermarkets, doctors’ offices, and shops, and gave them out in “go-go” bags. She took bags to the shelter where she had lived. “Everyone was so excited”, says Za’nia, now 14.
Photo Riley´s Way Foundation
During the pandemic, she has been packing go-go bags for people affected by closings of schools and shelters.
The original inspiration for Z Feeds Go-Go Bags came after a visit to Food Lion. There, Stinson saw a homeless woman outside the store. Stinson and her mother gave the woman $5 so she could get food. Z Feeds Go-Go Bags came about soon after. Stinson said, «I was really excited to help others, so I wanted to start my own project.»
Photo The Charlotte Post
The bags are primarily distributed to the Salvation Army, but he also keeps extra bags in the car to give to homeless people on the street.
Stinson’s work earned him a $3,000 grant this year through the Riley’s Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness competition. The award is given to teen-led projects that inspire kindness, strengthen communities and bring people together.
Z Feeds Angel Food Project
Would you be encouraged to do this initiative for those most in need?
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