Even as camps reopened and family vacations resumed, many teens gave their time to JFS this summer. Nearly 50 kids, ages 10 to 18, have volunteered over the past few months by working in the Weinberg Food Pantry, distributing lunches and school supplies through Lunchbox Express, helping to deliver food to clients throughout the community, and completing meaningful mitzvah projects.

While we wish we could feature everyone, below are a few examples of what students did to help JFS and why.

Peninah Jackson, 7th Grader at Highline Academy

Volunteering for JFS is not new to Peninah. Every year since she was a baby, her family has designated one night of Hanukkah to bag rice, bundle diapers, or put together toiletry bags for the Weinberg Food Pantry. She also learned about and helped the pantry in third grade through Denver Jewish Day School’s annual Helping Hands project. However, this past year she was old enough to volunteer IN the pantry with her mom, Malena. She accompanied her mom on several of her asynchronous learning days and spent many days this summer volunteering.

Peninah shares, “I chose to volunteer this summer at JFS with my mom because I just want to help people out, especially because of the pandemic. My favorite part about the experience was knowing all the food was actually going to people and seeing them receive it. I suggest other teens volunteer—even once a week. Go encourage your friends because you get to help people out, and afterward you feel really good and proud of yourself.”

Hannah Kutnick, 9th Grader at Northfield High School

Hannah organized her fifth annual “Backpack Bonanza,” a drive to generate donations for back-to-school backpacks and school supplies. She raised nearly $5,500 this year and a total of more than $18,000 over five years. She donated 550 loaded backpacks to JFS and helped distribute many of the packs to children in need through our Lunchbox Express program. Over five years, she has contributed 1,900 backpacks, dedicated about 250 hours, and engaged other families in her project by stuffing backpacks together.

Hannah says, “My favorite part of this project is getting to involve family friends my age and younger and seeing them so enthusiastic to help. I also look forward to seeing the kids' excited expressions when they receive the backpacks and knowing that they will be prepared for the school year.”

Noah Hicks, 11th Grader at Colorado Academy

Noah and his mom, Stacey, volunteered together in the food pantry and with Lunchbox Express this summer. They chose these opportunities because Noah “wanted to find a charity role where you could stay busy and see and work directly with the people you were helping.” He loved working as part of a big team and large operation, where he could tell his help was much needed.

“I knew I was making a difference and my commitment mattered. It was a great feeling to be needed.” If other teens are considering volunteering for JFS, Noah enthusiastically says, “Do it! You get the opportunity to meet all sorts of people and you’ll feel accomplished having contributed and helping people in need.”

Samantha Thomas, 11th Grader, Cherry Creek High School

Last summer, Samantha created a Pandemic Pantry Pick Up food drive for the JFS Weinberg Food Pantry and decided to make it an annual project to help those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I especially want to help those who have experienced a job loss and are unable to support themselves and/or their families with adequate sustenance,” she explains. “I collect nonperishable food as well as feminine products and diapers through this project.” She promoted the drive through social media and reached out to her personal networks, offering to pick up items from their porches.

Samantha says, “My favorite part of the project was seeing people who I had never met sign up for my food drive. I got to make new connections with others who were interested in helping our community. Through our joint efforts, I was able to donate 282 pounds of food and other items!” Samantha spent about 40 hours on the project each year. She recommends volunteer projects to other teens, too. “Summer is an awesome time to really explore new projects and think about helping your community any way you can. Use your down time from school to your advantage and discover causes you’re passionate about. No community service project is too big or small!”

Sophie Lamberson, 12th Grader

Sophie first volunteered with JFS in 2019 for Lunchbox Express and packed boxes in the food pantry last year during the beginning of the pandemic. She and her dad, Ronald, initially learned about JFS’s volunteer opportunities from a family friend who had a great experience and recommended it.

“While the Lunchbox Express format changed, I still loved the way it was set up,” Sophie shares. “Since I volunteered at the same location each time, I connected with the supervisor there, which made the experience more memorable. Interacting with and meeting new people was a highlight of this volunteer experience.” She encourages other teens to help JFS and says, “Volunteering is a great way to connect and help your community, and JFS is a great place to do so with amazing staff who help to organize everything.” 

Thank you to all the families who donate their time and resources to JFS! Each contribution is a valuable and meaningful part of the success of our programs.

Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.