Lexi Ananiadis was nominated as a hidden hero in Portage County because of her drive to help people in need. She started an organization called Lexi's Love when she was only 7 years old. She and her mom, Brooke, have been serving the Portage County community for five years now going above and beyond when it comes to giving back. Lexi is now 12 years old and her passion continues to grow as she continues to serve our community and expand her efforts. 

Lexi is in sixth grade and attends Washington elementary school. Her passion to help others sparked at a young age when she was visiting Chicago and saw the large amount of homeless people who were not as fortunate as herself. With help from her mom, she has been working hard on expanding what her organization does and is all about. She works with the homeless shelter, Place of Peace, the Salvation Army, the hospital, and even schools in Portage County. Each year Lexi plays Santa at Place of Peace. She serves meals there and she was able to donate 96 gifts to Place of Peace last Christmas. 

Lexi's Love started small with the goal of collecting basic needs to help the homeless out in her own community. These donations came from close friends and family, but eventually turned into something bigger when more community members got involved by donating clothing, basic hygiene items, food, and now school supplies to those who need the extra help. Each month they do a big donation to the homeless shelter where they fill an entire truck load of donated items to give away. 

Within the first year of Lexi's Love, Lexi decided to start Lexi's Meals for Hope, where she and her mom brought jugs into local businesses to collect money in order to make meals for the homeless. She has also expanded by creating Lexi's Baskets of Love, which are given to kids who are ill and being treated in the hospital. 

In 2019, Lexi and her mom began something new. They choose 3 families to gift brand new school wardrobes to. On top of that, at the end of August they put on a Mustang show fundraiser in the Olympia Restaurant parking lot, which they plan to continue doing after having such success. Lexi's goal is to now branch into the foster care system!

Outside of volunteering and gathering donations, Lexi has been a cheerleader for Storm Elite All Stars Cheer & Dance for 8 years now. 

Favorite quote: "Always stay humble and kind."

Favorite food: Tacos

Favorite book: The Hate You Give

Most deeply held belief: Treat people how you want to be treated. 

Please check out Lexi's Facebook page and give her a big thank you for supporting our community and being a light in lives who do not always have one. 

https://www.facebook.com/Lexis-Love-1745554922357054/.