Christmas is the time of year most people get to buy the things they've saved up for, but one 12-year-old girl from New Orleans East is spending the holiday giving homeless families the things she once needed when she was in their shoes.
Eyewitness News met Naomi Cargo as she was on her way to drop off children’s clothing at Covenant House in the French Quarter. It's a shelter for runaways and youth.
"Excited and joyful that I get to help the homeless that don't have anything," Cargo said.
She may sound a little older than her years, but Cargo is just 12-years-old and has her own business called L'ade Beverages. It's run alongside her family business, which sells drinks and merchandise at various events.
On average, she makes $100 an event. It may sound like a lot, but Cargo knows it’s not for a struggling family living on the streets. She remembers from her toddler years because she was once there.
"Well, I remember we were in a car a lot and I used to ask my mom ‘when are we going home,’" Cargo said.
And the answer back then was often, “we're not.”
"Every morning we'd eat breakfast in the car and sometimes they'd let us into the homeless shelter," Cargo said.
The Cargo family says they stayed at various shelters throughout New Orleans until eventually, they were able to get back on their feet.
"I felt really sad because I missed being home," Cargo said.
To experience homelessness so young, Cargo feels, has stayed with her. That's why she's been saving to give back.
Earlier this week, she contacted different shelters about what they need. At Covenant House it was toddler clothes, so she went out and bought them with the money she's earned at L’ade Beverages.
"I wanted to let the homeless individuals forget, even if it's just for one day, that they don't have any family," Cargo said.
On top of growing her business, Cargo is studying and hopes to one day become a successful businesswoman.
"If I become a billion-dollar company, I'd give half the billion to homeless individuals," Cargo said.
This Christmas she's donating clothes and hopes to do more next year, but she always wants to do what she can to give others hope.
Her message to struggling families:
"I know you guys are sad but don't worry anything else but just be yourself and soon you'll get out that situation," Cargo said.
To check out Naomi’s business, L'ade Beverages, click here.