Sixteen-year-old Katelyn Darrow-Eystad is the head of her own non-profit organization called "Angels Of God," a clothing closet helping those in need. When Katelyn was in third grade, her home was destroyed in a fire. She lost everything. Years later, this experience inspired her to reach out to others who may be going through the same pain and loss she once went through.
"I started Angels Of God when I was 12 years old. We provide clothing to those in need. So basically, if someone is low income, just experienced a house fire, or went through a storm like Sandy, which just took place in New Jersey and New York, then we help them and give them clothing and other necessities that they are in need of," Katelyn explained.
The New Jersey teen philanthropist has been instrumental in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, as much of her home state has been devastated by the storm and is looking to organizations like Angels Of God for clothing, baby items, toiletries and other household items.
"Being able to help these families and give them things that they need is just so heart warming. Knowing that I'm making a difference makes everything worth it," Katelyn said.
On November 18, Katelyn was honored at a private event in New York City hosted by Sharpie, where One Direction fans gathered to create posters for their upcoming tour, with the help of Nickelodeon star Ariana Grande. Katelyn was rewarded $10,000 from Sharpie for her mission with Angels of God and $10,000 worth of school supplies from Staples for her organization. Ariana Grande even presented Katelyn and her family with VIP tickets to the One Direction concert at Madison Square Garden!
Katelyn and the Angels Of God Clothing Closet are looking for donations and volunteers to make sure that everyone has a safe and warm holiday season. The Angels of God clothing closet and donation box is located in Pitman, New Jersey, but they can be contacted through their website and Facebook page.