MIAMI — Three South Florida teens are proving you’re never too young to make a difference.
What began as a simple food drive has grown into a powerful nonprofit helping families meet one of life’s most basic needs: undergarments.
It all started three years ago with one question — how could three middle school girls from Miami Beach make a difference in their community?
“We donate feminine hygiene products, underwear, and diapers to local shelters and food banks in our community,” said Bella Carson.
“Because everybody, regardless of their story, deserves to have access to those items,” added her twin sister, Reese Carson.
At just 12 years old, Reese and Bella joined forces with their best friend Leila Murena to start "Wundie Undies“, a grassroots effort focused on providing essentials too often overlooked in donation drives.
Its slogan: “Every little butt counts.”
“It’s important to me because I see how privileged I am, and how easy it is for me to get this stuff,” said Leila. “For others, it’s harder to get these items, and that makes me feel sad. That’s why we started.”
The idea grew out of a Thanksgiving food drive that opened their eyes to an even greater need.
“After doing some research, we found out that feminine hygiene products, underwear, and diapers are some of the most needed items in our community — and some of the least donated,” said Bella.
For the past three years, the girls have spent countless hours collecting donations, organizing drives and stocking shelves at local charities.
“When we organize drives, we also create Amazon wish lists so items can be shipped to our houses, and we make donation boxes,” said Reese.
Those boxes have been sent as far as California to help people impacted by wildfires.
“I want everyone to feel comfortable, not having to miss school because something happens to them — and to wake up every morning and put on a fresh pair of underwear,” Bella said.
“I realized we were making a difference,” added Leila. “That’s why we kept doing it, and we’ll keep doing it.”
The group recently became an official nonprofit.
This weekend, they were fundraising at the State of the Kid store in Miami’s Design District. Local brand BirdieBlues set up a jewelry table, with a portion of proceeds from necklace and clothing sales going directly to Wundie Undies.
“I don’t think age matters when you start helping your community,” said Leila. “You can do it at any age.”
Every dollar and every donated item goes right back into the community.
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