Contact: Clayton Trotter, Mercy International, 210-473-7333, ctrotter@mercyintl.org 

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 15, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Natasha read a book about another child who raised funds for charity by shooting baskets so she tried to shoot baskets.  After shooting 1000 three throws, Natasha only made 4, so basketball was out, but she still had a vision for helping children in Africa.  God made Natasha a good reader so she turned to books.

With the support of her family, her University Model™ School Summit Christian Academy, and her church Cross Mountain Church in San Antonio, Texas, Natasha inspired other students to participate in the first annual "From One Child to Another" Read-a-thon.  Child friends of Natasha called their friends and family and knocked at doors for sponsors, while Natasha spoke at churches and organizations across San Antonio.

$25,000 seemed a heady goal for a 9-year-old, but this week Natasha presented a check for $25,000 to Les Huffman of Uganda Tree of Life Ministries for a school.  She will also be traveling to Africa for the ribbon-cutting ceremony when the school is finished.

Natasha has set her sights higher for next year to $60,000 for an orphanage in Uganda with a nationwide Read-a-thon.  Next week she will speak at a national school convention.  Sixty schools across the country have already committed to holding a "From One Child to Another" Read-a-thon.

We commend Natasha for her example of someone who has not let her age limit what God can do through her life.  We encourage everyone to help Natasha help orphans in Africa by holding a Read-a-thon in your school, church, or city and by getting the word out about this amazing 9-year-old's heart and efforts.

For more information about Natasha and holding a Read-a-thon or to speak to Natasha, contact Natasha's mom Shantel Leininger at skleininger@yahoo.com or 210-325-5037 or Clayton Trotter at ctrotter@mercyintl.org or 210-473-7333.