MESA, Ariz — From lemonade stands to water drives, when kids spearhead projects to benefit those in need, their compassion is contagious. One of those kids is Lucy Santoro.
In the summer of 2023, Lucy ran a lemonade stand to donate half of her proceeds to United Food Bank.
“Kids are innately compassionate,” said Mandy Hodges, with United Food Bank. “They have a desire to help others, to make their community better, already deep down in their hearts. So, we just want to make sure that, as a food bank, in a place where people can come and make a difference in their community, that it's open truly to all ages, starting with kids.”
The $80 that Lucy raised for United Food Bank turned into roughly 400 meals for families in need. The other $80 went towards a Nintendo Switch and the video game Mario Kart.
“These are things that kids can do right in their own community, by rallying neighbors and friends and family behind a cause where they take the lead and they make something really amazing happen,” said Hodges.
Amazing things like the 11,000 bottles of water that Brisa Gawley raised in the summer of 2023 for United Food Bank’s Hydration drive.
“It felt really good, and just had a big impact on so many people,” said Gawley.
Gawley’s efforts went a long way to helping United Food Bank reach its goal of 700,000 bottles of water last year and inspired her brother to start a food drive this summer.
“My sister did water, and I know people are hungry, so I might as well do food,” said Ben Gawley.
One in seven children are affected by childhood hunger, but kids around the world are pitching in to help their peers.
The efforts of Lucy and Brisa reassure the folks at United Food Bank that the next generation will carry forward the mission of fighting hunger.
“When we see young people like Brisa step up and really make a positive impact in her community, her neighborhood, we have so much hope that this tradition of caring is going to continue to be passed on and have the impact that it has been having,” said Hodges. “Young people are the future.”
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