Maplewood Girl's Art Raises $500 To Help The Hungry

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Aliyah Ouedraogo, 8, of Maplewood, has raised more than $500 for local food pantries and community groups with her art, according to a recent story in TAPinto.

The story said that Aliyah began making Black Lives Matter posters this summer, and realized she could use them to help the poor. Her mom, Morgan Triska, posted about the artwork on Facebook, and people donated money for the posters. The family purchased food, which they donated to the Black Panthers Pop Up Pantry in Newark and SOMA Shares, they said.

Here is more information about food resources and how to find a food bank in South Orange and Maplewood. Also contact your local town hall, which may have additional resources in the time of covid.

On Sept. 10, Triska wrote, "Our only goal is to inspire others. We hope kids will dream big to reach people ... We want to encourage kids to have a vision and to stay focused to accomplish their goals and be their biggest cheerleaders."

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

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