Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Eye of a Child founder receives Governor's Service Award

 

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Peyton Anderson Pascal started her foundation, Eye of a Child, when she was just seven years old. Now, at age 12, it is still going strong, and she just got a service award from Governor Tony Evers. 

"Everybody is someone's child, and every child deserves to smile."

That simple phrase has been Peyton Anderson Pascal's motto for the last five years. 

We first introduced you to Peyton nearly three years ago when she handed out T-shirts to raise awareness for her organization, Eye of a Child.

"The mission is definitely just to help others in every way possible I can right now," she said. 

Her goal now is the same as it was then, to help children whose lives have been touched by homelessness. 

We caught up with her last month, just after she celebrated Eye of a Child's fifth anniversary. 

"It kind of gives me like that 'I did this' feeling," said Peyton. 

That feeling was also validated by Gov. Tony Evers, who awarded her the Governor's Service Award in May for all of her hard work. 

"I think I was just in the moment, like beyond proud. Definitely thankful," she said. 

Peyton's mom, Leticia Anderson, never doubted her daughter's commitment. 

"From a very young age, I was like hey, whatever you do, you need to stick with it."

What started with her donating her own birthday presents at the Sojourner Family Peace Center has grown into three huge donation drives each year, with corporate sponsors. 

Peyton has no plans to slow down. 

Eye of a Child's back-to-school drive is running now through Aug. 2. 

The goal is to collect backpacks and supplies for 500 kids. 

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