GIBSONVILLE, N.C. —
A 10-year-old named Rylee inspired a community-wide effort in Gibsonville. She was one of many children who wrote a letter to Santa requesting food — mainly because she was feeling hungry in the moment — but it led to dozens of donations for local families in need thanks to help from a local insurance agency.
The Jessie Summers State Farm office collected letters from children with their wish lists for Santa at a Lighting of the Green event in downtown Gibsonville, North Carolina. Summers said it's a tradition for them to bless families with gifts and return letters from Santa himself. However, Rylee's letter stood out.
"It said, 'Hi, my name is Rylee, I'm 10 years old, I've been a little bit naughty and a little bit nice this year, and my wish list for Christmas is I would like to get food. It just broke my heart," Summers said.
Although Rylee is not food-insecure, she had snacks on her mind when she wrote her letter at a holiday event, and the elves at the Gibsonville State Farm office saw an opportunity to help others.
After a Facebook post to locate Rylee went viral, Summers found her. Rylee explained she was craving her grandparents' special Christmas snacks during that event, and that's why she wrote food on her wish list. Summers realized that this simple wish could help many elementary students like Rylee across Alamance County.
"We have been taking donations and will be blessing lots of kids in the local schools towards Christmas," Summers said.
In just 10 days, they collected dozens of grocery gift cards and more than 300 pieces of canned or boxed foods, all being packaged for delivery to local schools and the Gibsonville Library.
Rylee said it has been a fun initiative to be a part of. "It makes me feel good that other people in need can get food," she said.
The State Farm office is accepting donations until Dec. 17 at 100 West Main St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Gibsonville. They also have a drop box for after-hours donations. Rylee said she hopes to make this an annual tradition with her new friends at State Farm.
There will be a food drive in December as part of the "Share Your Holiday," on Dec. 17.
Food Drive Locations
If you can't donate in person, you can donate online here.