How this 13-year-old Delawarean impressed Michelle Obama, then made it on national TV

Many 13-year-old boys spend their time playing video games and Pokémon. Not many can say that they created and currently run a public charity. Or that they rubbed elbows with Michelle Obama or got on national TV.
But Braeden Mannering can. The 13-year-old from Bear, Del., started his nonprofit Brae’s Brown Bags (3B) at the age of nine after noticing and being saddened by homeless beggars he would see around town. He decided he wanted to provide them with healthy snacks and water bottles packaged in brown paper bags, and the charity was born.
Today, the bags also include pamphlets and brochures for other helpful organizations. In bags designated for underprivileged youth, each one also contains a children’s book.
In addition to packing and delivering brown bags to people and places in need, 3B also hosts fundraisers to help raise money to donate to other organizations working to end hunger. Braeden has also had success in inspirational speaking and has talked about food insecurity to audiences in over five states. He spoke at this year’s TEDxWilmington. He also sat in Michelle Obama’s box during President Obama’s final State of the Union address. This guy.
As of Jan. 19, 3B has provided more than 9,000 bags to the needy. Most recently, Braeden and his charity were featured on the nationally syndicated television program “Small Town Big Deal.” Airing this past weekend, the report chronicles Braeden’s attempt at forming student chapters of 3B and how he has been growing the nonprofit.
To help support 3B or to learn more about the charity, visit its Facebook page or website.