LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Homelessness affects thousands of people in the Las Vegas Valley and the pandemic is only expected to put more people out on the streets.
This month's 13 MVP may only be 12 years old, but she's helping the homeless get back on their feet, one sock at a time.
"Due to COVID, there’s been a huge increase in the homeless community. So, I wanted to do my part and give back" said Aiyana Castro, who made it clear how much she loves giving back to the Las Vegas community.
Last time we saw her, Castro was protecting young cancer patients during the pandemic by giving out masks, making her a worthy "Vegas Stronger Champion."
PREVIOUS STORY: Vegas 11-year-old supplying masks to help protect others
"I like helping others and it makes me feel good knowing that I brighten up someone’s day and I was able to help them," said Castro.
Now, she's back as a beauty pageant queen.
"My title, queen in action, is community service-based and I love helping the community," said Castro.
Her latest project involves helping the homeless.
"I took the time to talk to them and they expressed how much they needed socks because their feet swell up and it’s almost impossible to put shoes on. So, they use socks as shoes," said Castro.
So, she started "Sock It to the Homeless" by setting up 15 donation boxes throughout the valley where people can drop off new socks. It doesn't matter what color, pattern, or kind of socks they are, as long as they're new. But, Aiyana didn't do it alone.
"I’m currently having queens from all over the valley come together so we can help the community, to reach more people and, together, to make a difference," said Castro.
Even in the virtual classroom, Aiyana is maintaining straight A's, with her eyes set on becoming the first female president of the United States of America. But for now, she's just grateful to give back.
"It’s amazing that people are willing to help us and I’m just really excited to hand out those socks," said Castro.
Aiyana's goal was to collect 500 pairs of socks. She's already surpassed that goal with more than two weeks left.
If you'd like to donate some socks, here are the 15 drop-off locations in the Las Vegas valley.
-The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas, 10115 W. Twain, Suite 100
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you prefer not to enter, just park in front of our door and call us 702-367-6666, and they will come out to your car.
-Merri Perry from Realty One Group, 10750 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 180
-Ford Country, 280 N. Gibson Road
-Legacy Commercial Real Estate Services, 2110 E. Flamingo, Suite 350
-Tru Development Company, 9555 Hillwood Drive, Suite 110.
-Bella Smiles, 6040 S. Rainbow Blvd. Suite B2
-911 Law Group, 911 N. Buffalo Drive Suite 201
-The Birthday Suit, 3700 S. Hualapai Way, Suite 103, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
-7645 S. Rainbow Blvd. 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
-2980 St. Rose Pkwy. Suite140 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday- Friday, 8: 30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
-Streets of NY, 7570 Norman Rockwell Lane
-5135 S Fort Apache Road
-Desert Oasis European Auto Service & Repair, 2079 S. Rainbow Blvd.
-Las Vegas Braces 4 Locations
6365 Simmons St. Suite 110
8710 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite 150
4240 E. Charleston Blvd.
9500 W. Flamingo Rd. Suite 102
-The Just One Project, 711 N Rancho Drive, Suite 100
