Frank Banks

The economic recession has not been kind to many, especially the homeless and the charitable organizations that aid them during their time of need. Already stretched in terms of finances and resources, many charities have found it hard to continue serving their communities.

Frank Banks, an 18-year-old philanthropist, has founded his own organization help those in need when they need it most. Still a college freshman, Frank started his own organization, the Frank L. Banks Foundation, at an age when most people are more worried about getting to class on time.

He developed a love of volunteering after going on mission trips in high school. After spending time with abused children, senior citizens and the homeless, he realized his passion. His organization conducts monthly clothing and food drives for various homeless shelters in downtown St. Louis.

The first clothing drives started small, but over the course of a few weeks they really took off. In his 8th month, he has been able to help over 200 homeless a month through physical clothing drives and social media efforts.