'We wanted to make a change': Fairfax girl gives back to community while inspiring others

FAIRFAX, Va. (7News) — At just 11-years-old, Daanya Saraff has spent most of her life working to help others. During a recent visit, 7News found her packing home-baked cookies for first responders.

"These are for firefighters. I think what they're doing is so amazing," she said.

Every effort extends from a non-profit she founded with her mom called Be Kind and Rise.

"We started it just because we wanted to make a change in the world," Saraff said.

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The organization has three areas of focus: "Fighting hunger, getting younger kids involved with kind acts, and giving back to the community," she explained.

The seventh-grader at Rachel Carson Middle School in Herndon uses her artistic talents to support her causes. From drawing to painting to bookmark and jewelry-making, the Future Leader creates items to sell for the betterment of others.

"We've raised and helped get basic needs for the Afghan refugees using $3,500 we were able to raise," she shared.

The talented student who excels academically loves to sing. She also enjoys playing basketball in her free time and leads students to charitable causes at her former elementary school.

"We hold a Kids Kindness Club there with 21 students," Saraff said.

Her work has been recognized with a Daily Point of Light Award.

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"I never thought that something I'm doing could be recognized by the President and the White House," Saraff said.

She's also the recipient of the AmeriCorps President's Volunteer Service Award -- No matter how many people she reaches, Saraff contends finding a way to make a difference is simple.

"Like smiling to someone you don't know when walking down the hall from school," she said.

Saraff is also a Cadette in the Girl Scouts and has a black belt in karate.

The next step for her non-profit Be Kind and Rise is to recruit more volunteers so she can help more people.