Young girl continues filling backpacks with school supplies

Despite her own health challenges, Hayleigh Baptista was just 6 years old when she started filling backpacks for local kids in need. She filled 30 backpacks with supplies and gave them to local kids. Last year, she filled 138 backpacks!

Hayleigh's aunt, Amy Hopp, says their family is very proud of all her hard work.

"She is very energetic about this program. Every year she jumps right into it. She does all of the promotion, the fundraising, the shopping," says Hayleigh's aunt, Amy Hopp. "She has what's referred to as Irlen Syndrome, which is a visual processing disorder so light affects her ability to see."

Hopp explains that the syndrome means her brain interprets things her eyes are seeing differently, so reading and math can also be challenging for her. Hopp says Hayleigh still works on balancing her backpack budget every year, though.

She's got an even bigger goal this year, and expects to fill at least 200 backpacks. She'll also be donating supplies to an at-risk preschool program on the southwest side on Detroit. 

If you'd like to help Hayleigh, you can get more information on her GoFundMe page