Claire Fortenberry is hoping to collect as many buckets of food as she can to send to help the victims of Haiti’s earthquake in January.

But first, she’ll need the money to ship the buckets to the impoverished country.

Claire, a Brownie in Troop 7243 in Cave Spring, asked her troop members if they would be willing to help with her project, inspired by what her family’s church is doing to help Haiti as well.

“It’s going good so far,” Claire said. “People have pretty much been giving money to help.”

She said she still needs non-perishable food items on the list, especially rice, to help fill the buckets. But after using her own money and receiving donations from the community, Claire has raised enough money to send nine buckets.

Her mother, Rachelle Fortenberry said she is proud of her daughter’s efforts.

“Our church, Pleasant Valley South, is what brought this on,” she said. “She’s been interested in mission work for a long time, too, but she’s too young to do it right now.”

Fortenberry said food or monetary donations can be made through her church by calling 706-234-1841 or to the Floyd County Baptist Association by calling 706-291-0904. Donations must be turned in by Sunday.