What extent would you go to to save a life? Would you travel across the world, would you risk your life? Surprisingly it can be as easy as donating a small amount of money to an organization that contributes to a good cause. Although water covers seventy percent of the Earth's surface, lack of clean drinking water impacts billions of people every day. 783 million people do not have access to clean water. 6-8 million people die annually from the consequences of water-related diseases. It only takes a small donation to save hundreds of lives.

Clean water. It is extremely taken advantage of by people in America. Water scarcity is a growing concern. Imagine that you were working in the hot sun all day and when you got thirsty and tired, you were only given a small cup of muddy water to slowly sip at. How would you feel? We must stop ignoring this problem, and take a stand.

This is what I am doing. My name is Maya Hollister. I am a 14 year old freshmen, participating in my 9th grade personal project. When it came time to choose what I wanted to do my personal project on, I knew immediately what to do. I wanted to change a life. I began thinking about how I could do this and water scarcity immediately popped into my mind. I immediately knew that I wanted to spend over a year attempting to change lives. Since I was 4 years old, I have been interested in helping third world countries. When I was in kindergarten, my sister and I, with the help of our mother, created a fundraising campaign, that gave funds to the victims of Sri Lanka after a devastating tsunami hit their area. We named our fundraising campaign, 'Kindergartners Care Too.' In total, we raised $3,200 for Sri Lanka. Even at such a young age, my perspective was changed. I knew that I wanted to help people in need, and do as much as I possibly could to change the world. Now at 14, this idea is solidified in my mind. This is why, choosing to help the villages of Africa is my top idea for my project. I have devoted a large chunk of my time this year to learning about the shortage of clean water, and I have come to the decision that I will need to raise at least $500 in order to support as much as I possibly can. I will be doing as much as humanly possible to give what I can to Africa. Along with this campaign page, I will be hosting a event called 'Walk For Water'. This walking event will simulate the length that women and children must walk daily in order to get water for their family. This length is approximately 3 miles under the scorching hot sun. By holding this event, I am hoping that I will be able to inform my community about the water crisis in Africa, and ultimately help create change.

I hope that you now understand my want to create change in the world, and understand that any donation would be greatly appreciated. I need your help in order to provide clean safe water to hundreds in need.

- Maya Hollister

Get involved. Donate. Take Action. Save a Life.