Mesa teen collects donations for the Valley's homeless

MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - One Mesa teen is making a big difference in the lives of many who need it most. She's on a mission to collect and distribute food and clothing for the homeless.

Hailey Lyon isn't your average junior in high school.

For the last three years, she's handed out clothes, food and supplies to those who cannot afford it.

"I still need jackets, blankets, hats or whatever, just socks, I do shoes, hygiene supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes," she said.

Hailey creates these bags with her older brother and then they go distribute them around the Valley. She says during her first distribution is when she realized just how many people were in need.

"It was really hard because they all came at me at once and I was like really overwhelmed," she said.

From then on, Hailey decided she would continue to collect donations year-round, even if that meant putting her own money into it.

"When I can't give enough I just try to keep giving and giving and giving," she said. "I hate not being able to give everybody something."

By her side is her older brother who also helps out by driving her to each donation location.

"Being 16-years-old, more 16-year-olds focus on hanging out with friends, going to the mall, driving; her focus is what can I do for the community," he said.

No matter where you find her she's always prepared with certain items to help someone if they need it.

"I have Cheez-Its, I have cookies and um, the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and then whatever extra I get donated on the side, I just throw whatever into some bags and I just go until I can't do no more," she said.

A GoFundMe account has been setup by Hailey. You can donate by clicking here.