Sheldon, Iowa – Thirteen-year-old Faith E. Richards isn’t spending her summer the way you might think a typical teen would. She’s working to help support a cause that she’s passionate about, making clean water available to communities in third world countries.
Richards explained that she first remembers hearing about the need for wells in Africa when she was eight years old living in Colorado, but she didn’t think she was old enough to do anything to help. The thought never left her though. During the Summer of 2015 she created Helping Bands and donates her proceeds to Marion Medical Mission. Richards started hand crocheting bracelets and selling them for one dollar a piece.
Since she started her awareness campaign two years ago she’s raised a little over $2,000, which is enough to build five wells. Over time, Richards has expanded and is now also selling bottled water and homemade cookies for her cause. She has made a presentation at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheldon and is working with other churches to try and deliver her presentation in an attempt to spread awareness.
Richards has gone as far as setting up a website, helpingbandswells.weebly.com, where you can view Richards’ story, sign up for her mailing list and make donations to help support her efforts. There is also a link to Marion Medical Mission. Richards and friend Shelby Petersen have put up a sidewalk booth in front of Richards house at 1422 E 9th Street in Sheldon to sell their products through this Wednesday. If you can’t stop by and see the display you can email Richards at helpingbands.wells@gmail.com to get more information.
