TAMPA, Fla. — Ayr’reka Gilghrest is a very busy and giving 17 year old who has been feeding the homeless since she was eight.

“We not only help homeless but unfortunate families that can’t provide for the holidays or need a little bit of extra support.”

On Thanksgiving, her non-profit, ‘Ayr’reka’s Angels’, helped feed almost 200 families in Tampa and 30 more out of state. 

This Christmas they will be doing something similar.

“We’re going to be out into the community feeding the homeless. We’re asking for donations for hygiene products, clothing to keep them warm.”

She also has become involved collecting and sending game gear to a softball team in Ghana.

Gilghrest plays high school and league softball, pitcher and first base, which she is going to continue in college.

“I recently just committed to Florida memorial and I have my signing date on January 2,” she said.

If all that wasn’t enough, she is also a pop artist.

People can support Ayr’reka’s Angels on her Facebook page. Right now, along with needed funding, the push is on for warm clothing and shoes.

Gilghrest started her mission when she was just eight years old.

“It wasn’t really hard starting it because it’s not hard to give back to somebody,” she said.