6-year-old feeds hundreds of homeless people, launches her own foundation

At just 6 years of age, Paris Williams is on a mission to make the world a better place for everyone. While the pandemic has left many worried about those on the streets, this first-grader is launching her very own nonprofit organization to help feed the homeless. Inspired by the generous deeds of characters in some of her favorite children's books, Paris decided that she'd also like to do her bit and give back to the community in any which way she can. "She is very outgoing. She is creative. She has a big heart. She's always willing to help people," the little girl's mother, Alicia Marshall, told WHP-TV.

Paris, who enters the first grade this fall, is already full of big dreams. "She was reading books at school about giving and she came home one day, and she was like, 'I want to give back to the homeless. What can we do to help the homeless?' So, we kind of brainstormed some ideas and we came up making care packages," Marshall explained. As for the book that got her interested in philanthropy, young Paris said: "It's called the 'One Little Boy's Magic.' I kinda wanted to give some food to the homeless like the boy in the book."

The paperwork for Paris Cares Foundation is expected to be approved any day now and while they wait, Paris and her parents are already out helping those in need. According to KTVI, they have delivered over 500 care packages filled with food, drinks, and other essential items to the homeless downtown through non-contact drop-off. While her parents help gather the required goods, Paris herself fills each package with supplies and put a personal note or drawing on each of the 'Paris Care Packages.' "Well I would help put in all the food and help draw all the pictures on the bags," she said.

Aside from feeding the homeless, Paris has donated at least 250 meals to essential workers in the area. However, she is just getting started. The youngster already has plans to hold a hot-food drive for the homeless this Thanksgiving and raise money to buy toys for children in need this holiday season. "It makes me really proud because with everything that’s going on in the world this small child who is entering first grade has such a big heart. She wants to give. She wants to help others," said Marshall.

A GoFundMe campaign set up for the Paris Cares Foundation had raised $3,657 of its $4,500 goal as of Wednesday morning. "Paris is a kindergarten student determined to feed as many homeless people as possible while leaving a positive message on each bag. Her mission is to make homeless people feel better with one care package at a time.  A five-year-old was able to feed 40 people by herself. Imagine how many more people she can feed with your help.  A small donation goes a long way. This holiday season she is focusing on others.  If we work together she can meet her goals and she can continue making care packages," states the campaign.

The young girl is also raising money to help the homeless by selling t-shirts and masks through her Bonfire account. "She's the driving force behind everything and we are just trying to support her the best we can,” said Marshall. The proud mother admitted that she can't believe how much her 6-year-old has taught her in just a few short months. "I want to inspire people to do good things,” said Paris.