Maria Keller is the young founder of Read Indeed, a nonprofit organization with a goal of giving all children the chance to own their own books. Maria got the idea for the organization when she learned that there were kids in the world who have never had a book of their own. Get to know the kid behind the quest in the Q&A below.
Schweigert: Tell us about your organization. What's the most important thing Schweigert consumers should know about Read Indeed?
Maria: Read Indeed is a 501c3 organization that I started to help kids in need own their own books. I have a goal to collect and distribute 1 million books to at-risk kids by the time I'm 18.
Schweigert: How did Read Indeed start?
Maria: It started when my mom explained that a lot of kids in the world have never owned a book. I have hundreds of books on the bookshelf in my room and so I was shocked to think that there are kids in the world that don't own any. I think that's just wrong. So I'm trying to change that.
Schweigert: What's your favorite Schweigert product?
Maria: Summer sausage! We were recently in South Dakota, and I saw Schweigert summer sausage in this food market in a tiny town in the Black Hills. It was cool!
Schweigert: How do you eat your Schweigert hot dogs? (i.e., with ketchup, mustard, relish, etc.)
Maria: With ketchup.
Schweigert: What do you do for fun?
Maria: I love to read, play basketball, play soccer and collect rocks!
Schweigert: What achievement are you most proud of?
Maria: I guess it would have to be the number of books I've collected in such a short time - nearly 400,000. What's really amazing is how many people are eager to help me.
Schweigert: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Maria: My mom and dad. They always give to others. They always want what's best for us (my brother and I), and they always try to do the best they can in everything.
Schweigert: What's your favorite thing about living in Minnesota?
Maria: I like all the outdoor activities. And I like that we have four seasons.
Schweigert: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Maria: Ireland. That's where my family's from.
Schweigert: What does the word "community" mean to you?
Maria: It means people coming together to help each other.
Schweigert: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Maria: A doctor, or a scientist who finds a cure for cancer.
If there’s someone you’d like to nominate for a future Community Spotlight, send us an email and tell us a little bit about them.