Prairie Heights student making a difference

Mia Crone presents a check to Sherri Lackey of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. (Standard-News Photo by Michelle Patrick)

A Prairie Heights sev­enth grader is making a difference in as many ways as possible.

Mia Crone, 13, of Pleas­ant Lake, IN, has been raising money for years for those in need through her Always Bee Kind organi­zation.

It began when she was 8 years old.

Mia recalls watching a video then about homeless­ness.

“It was sad to see home­less people don’t have much,” she said. “I wanted to help.”

Last year, Mia raised $7,000 for those in need. Altogether, she’s raised about $11,000.

Recent contributions included one to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an orga­nization that provides beds to children ages 3-7 in un­comfortable sleeping situa­tions in LaGrange County, Kendallville and Rome City. In fact, Crone went on a recent bed delivery. It was the 400th bed provided by Sleep in Heavenly Peace since the chapter began here in 2018.

Sherri Lackey, chapter president, said she’s bless­ed to meet a lot of people willing to contribute to the effort, but it’s especially significant to see a young person making a differ­ence.

Mia’s parents, Angela and Darrell Jr., said they’re proud of Mia and her heart.

“She’s changed our whole family,” Angela said.

Mia makes it possible in many ways: booths at her horse shows, baked goods, donations, sweatshirt and cup sales, earrings, brace­lets, and more.

She also recently donat­ed to the Ft. Wayne Rescue Mission and Angie’s Hands Food Distribution. She donated backpacks with school supplies and hygiene items for kids at school and also provided Christmas gifts for two kids in need in her community.

Mia and her family are excited to see what she can do in 2024.

“God is faithful and has worked so many great things with this calling that Mia has,” Angela said. “Thank you to everyone who has donated and pur­chased items from her. It wouldn’t be possible with­out all of you!”