Ava Reeck, a junior at Kenston High School, is Bainbridge Area Food For Friends’ first student coordinator.
This is a newly-created role for students with a genuine interest in helping the pantry as much as possible.
“The student coordinator position was created so that students have opportunities to help those in need, in a leadership position,” pantry director Heather Rawlings said. “I started the position because we’re such a small community and I felt there needed to be opportunities for kids to have leadership roles.”
Ava began volunteering at the pantry weekly last summer and is in charge of helping with student food drives. She also helps with weekly food sorting and organizing, and helps prepare holiday meal box give-outs and food pickups from the Bainbridge Public Library.
Ava enjoys working at the pantry because she knows that she is making a difference in others’ lives.
“Working at the food pantry has allowed me to meet and interact with so many kind people and gain new perspectives on how individuals or families may go through hard times, but it in no way defines who they are,” Ava said. “No one is exempt from facing difficulties, and it’s important that there are local resources available.”
Ava stuffed more than 400 plastic eggs with candy and made Easter baskets. Other times, she cleans the pantry and organizes the shelves. When students come to the pantry on the weekends or hold food drives, Ava explains to them how the pantry is run.
Ava said she is thankful to have the opportunity to help so many people.
“She’s been very willing to step up,” Ms. Rawlings said. “Anything that I throw out to have her help with, she is always kind and goes out of her way to help.”
Ms. Rawlings would like to see more students volunteer at the food pantry. Hours are geared toward students’ availability.
“I would love to see a continuation of what Ava’s doing,” Ms. Rawlings said. “She has done such an amazing job.”
Any student interested in becoming a future student coordinator may email the pantry at 4foodpantry@gmail.com.
“We are so thankful for Ava, and hope we have more interest from students in the community,” Ms. Rawlings said.
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