One local resident with a desire to give back to help others is receiving national attention for her service to the community.

In October, Peyton Kirby Wilson of Elizabethton was crowned Miss Watauga Valley 2017. Her platform is community service, something that has been near and dear to her heart for many years.

One of the many charity organizations which Wilson helps to raise money and awareness for is the Children’s Miracle Network, and she is currently involved in a fundraising drive that is garnering her national recognition.

“Miss America Serves is a national day of service,” said  Channa Kirby, Wilson’s mother. “They do volunteer service, and they raise money for Children’s Miracle Network, which is the national platform.”

As part of her fundraising strategy, Wilson helped to organize a yard sale to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network — appropriately titled “Mess to Miracles.” This was the third year Wilson assisted with the yard sale to benefit CMN. Wilson also raised money in other ways, including spending a recent Saturday afternoon in downtown Elizabethton selling cotton candy during the car show.

While it is referred to as a day of service, the fundraising campaign stretches over a period of time.

This year, 1,600 title holders are working through the Miss America Serves event to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

“Right now, Peyton is 10th in the nation for the amount of money she has raised as an individual,” Kirby said.

If Wilson makes it into the top five individual fundraisers, she will be recognized on stage during the Miss America Pageant in September and will also receive a $1,000 scholarship.

“Fifth place is not out of her reach,” Kirby said. Currently, according to the Miss America Serves website, Wilson has raised $2,320. The contestant currently in fifth place has raised $3,480.

Kirby said there are a few days left for her daughter to raise additional funds. “She has until midnight Pacific Time on Friday to collect donations,” Kirby said. “Ten dollars can make a difference, and it’s tax deductible because it is a charitable organization.”

For those who are interested in making a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network through Wilson, there are a few different ways that gift can be given.

Those interested can contact Kirby directly by e-mail to kirbycm@msha.com and she will arrange to meet and pick up the gift. Donations can also be made through the Miss America Serves website at www.helpmakemiracles.org. The website allows donors to search for a participant by entering their name. When searching for Wilson, Kirby said her daughter has two profiles on the page due to her prior work with the Miss America Serves. Those wishing to contribute are asked to use the profile for Peyton Kirby Wilson which lists her organization as the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Organization. Click HERE to go to Wilson’s profile on the Miss America Serves website.