ORLANDO, Fla. (August 10, 2026) - When nine-year-old Eliza learned that federal and state funding for her local PBS station had been eliminated last summer, she wanted to help.
Inspired by the PBS KIDS shows she loves, Eliza gathered a few friends, made handmade bracelets, sold lemonade, and donated the money she raised to WUCF at Be My Neighbor Day in February.
"I thought that maybe I could make my own kind of bracelet and sell them to help PBS," Eliza told WUCF.
For Eliza, the fundraiser was her way of supporting the programs that have helped her learn, grow, and explore the world around her.
"PBS taught me how to be a good friend like Daniel Tiger, and they taught me more about animals on Wild Kratts and all sorts of things," she said. "It's important to be a PBS kid because all sorts of kids around the world don't get the chance that I do."
Her dad, Matthew Garcia, says Eliza has always looked for ways to make a difference.
"She's always looking for a reason to be supportive," Garcia said. "Her biggest reason was, 'I love Wild Kratts. I love animals. I love what PBS does. What can I do to support?'"
After meeting Eliza and her family at Be My Neighbor Day, we invited them to WUCF for a behind-the-scenes tour of the station. During their visit, Eliza received a special surprise. Chris Kratt and Martin Kratt, the stars of Wild Kratts, sent her a personal video message thanking her for supporting public media and encouraging her to keep making a difference.
Eliza’s visit also inspired a new one-minute video produced by WUCF, which shares Eliza's story and celebrates how one thoughtful act can inspire others.
Eliza's generous gift left a lasting impression on the WUCF team. Kyle Fuchs, WUCF's Broadcast Production Manager, still remembers the moment Eliza and her family walked up at Be My Neighbor Day.
"I've met so many terrific people at Be My Neighbor Day over the years, but it was definitely a first to have a dad come up to me and say, 'My nine-year-old daughter raised some money she'd like to donate to WUCF. Can you tell me who we should talk to?’”
"I was so surprised that I had to ask him to repeat himself. Needless to say, I was happy to introduce them to our team,” Fuchs said.
Eliza’s generosity is a meaningful reminder that you’re never too young to make a difference. One thoughtful act can help change lives at any age. A bracelet, a glass of lemonade and a generous idea can become part of something much larger.
Watch Eliza’s story on WUCF’s YouTube channel and on PBS.org.
