12-year-old Calgary Girl Makes ‘Incredible’ $ 1,000 Donation to Food Bank – Calgary | The Canadian News

A 12-year-old Calgary girl is really showing the spirit of the season this Christmas, putting a lot of work into her project to help struggling families.

Ella Altvater has spent the last month making and selling “fun bags” to other children. The bags hold things like pencils, stickers, and play dough.

“I did some jobs, like babysitting and housework, to earn the money to buy the things in the bags,” Altvater said.

With the money he made from the sale of the fun bags, Altvater made a $ 1,000 donation to the Calgary Food Bank.

“It’s great how they can help so many people,” Altvater said. “I wanted to help a little with that, especially the children who need it. I feel very bad for the children. “

Altvater’s donation comes at a crucial time for the food bank, with demand up 40 percent from last Christmas.

“It’s definitely the busiest time of the year,” said Betty Jo Kaiser of the food bank. “Ella’s efforts are amazing. Your $ 1,000 donation goes so far (towards) helping the vulnerable, the hungry. “

Altvater’s mother, Yvette King, is proud of what her daughter has accomplished.

“I admire your determination,” King said. “Between school and everything else, she put these backpacks together, she made a difference this Christmas.”

Food bank officials appreciate Altvater’s donation.

“The fact that a young man in the community saw a need and wanted to support those less fortunate, it’s really amazing,” Kaiser said. “So comforting.”

Altvater says he hopes his efforts will help brighten the season for the food bank’s customers.

“Everyone should enjoy Christmas.”