Tooth Fairy Visit Inspires Bucks 6-Year-Old To Help Homeless

UPPER SOUTHAMPTON, PA — A generous visit from the Tooth Fairy has helped inspire a 6-year-old girl from Bucks County to help the hungry and homeless.

Ryleigh Favro, of Upper Southampton (with some help from mom, Ashley) has started a fundraiser for the United Way of Bucks County, where programs include efforts to improve financial stability and healthcare as well as food banks.

Ashley says that when Ryleigh lost a tooth recently, the Tooth Fairy dropped off money at home as well as at grandma and great-grandma's houses, racking up a total of $45. But, instead of thinking of herself, the big haul led Ryleigh to think of others.

"She told me, 'I want to buy a toy, but I want to save my money and give it to the world to make it a better place,' " Ashley said. "I said, 'How would you make it a better place?' She said, 'What's it called, you know, when people are lonely?' I said, you mean homeless. She said, 'Yes, and hungry. I want to buy them food.' "

In response, Ashley set up a Facebook fundraiser in Ryleigh's name, benefiting the United Way. In one day, it had raised $585 of a $1,500 goal by Wednesday afternoon.

One of about 1,300 United Way groups nationally, the Bucks County organization works with schools, government agencies, businesses, labor groups, financial institutions, community groups, the faith community and others.

The list of programs the United Way of Bucks County supports includes the Bucks County Opportunity Council, Philabundance, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue and the St. Mary Medical Center Families Living Well program.

Click here to visit Ryleigh's United Way of Bucks County fundraiser on Facebook.