GLASTONBURY-- As far as "top 10 lists" go, this one might be in the top 10.
Rochelle Ripley, who runs the nonprofit charity called Hawkwing out of a Glastonbury warehouse, was just named a finalist in CNN's Top 10 Heroes of 2015. Ripley's charity provides critical aid -- food, clothing, and medical supplies--to her tribe, the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation, in South Dakota.
The 17-year-old charity also helps tribal members find jobs and assists in home renovations and with educational needs.
"This is a passion, it's a mission," said Ripley, who is the first Native American to be named to the prestigious CNN list.
Ripley and other volunteers at Hawkwing are busy preparing for the holiday season ahead.
"We collect everything from new books, to toys, clothing and personal care products," she said.
When asked about the prospect of being named the "Hero of the Year" Ripley said, "It's very humbling, it's very wonderful because the story of Native America needs to be more broadly and accurately understood."
The CNN Hero of the Year competition is in full swing. Voting is online for the final 10 honorees and ends on November 15.
Each of the top 10 heroes have already been given $10,000 for their charities, the top vote-getter will receive a $100,000 contribution for their cause.
