GENESEO, Ill. — Inspirational is a word that Nathan Dunker and Carson McDaniel use to describe Bella McDaniel.
“She spends countless hours doing stuff for other people. The definition of her personality is selfless. She wants nothing but the best for everyone around her," said Dunker.
Bella is a student at Geneseo High School and she founded the organization Delivered. It is a nonprofit that helps people find purpose through acts of service and kindness.
“She does toy drives, food drives, she has a school chapter at the Geneseo Middle School to help build leaders of tomorrow. And she also like works with the YMCA to help the community around there," said Carson.
Her devotion to helping others has earned her the Pay It Forward award, sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union.
Bella started Delivered after she found hope through a church retreat and was motivated to be a light to others.
“They kind of pushed me to, you know, see my purpose and see that I do have value. Cause before that I battled with anxiety and depression for a while and so I wanted to give back," said Bella.
Delivered is starting a program to help kids living in poverty or impacted from crime to help them get on a path for success.
“First we’re gonna start off working with these kids in support groups and then once they get through or graduate through that certain, you know, program they’re gonna move on to a job prep program," said Bella.
Delivering purpose and hope is all Bella aspires to accomplish with others.
“That there’s a community out there that sees them and hears them. Because especially at, you know, young age and, you know, the Quad Cities I’ve met a lot of kids my age that suffer that ‘there’s no one here for me, there’s no one around me’. But the fact of the matter is there is… I’m here," said Bella
Do you know someone that goes above and beyond for his or her community? News 8 and Ascentra Credit Union would like to help you Pay it Forward to them. Click here to nominate someone you know.
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