November 14, 2022 by Eliza Krackeler (’24)
The community volunteer organization Youth² has a vision for the holidays that includes peanut butter and other non-perishable foods. Many people in the Capital Region and beyond are affected by food scarcity. Families need items to fill their pantry shelves, especially during the holiday season.
Youth² is partnering with Shanna Goldman, the director of Oakwood Community Center in Troy, New York, to provide food for families in need in the cold days to come. Beverly Lazar-Davis, the founder of Youth², said, “35-50 families come in once a week for food from the Oakwood pantry. They are saying there are shortages in the food banks of non-perishable goods. This event can help with that.”
The “pop-up” is happening on Wednesday, December 14th from 3-6 pm at 112 Spring Street. Youth² is accepting all donations of peanut butter, mayonnaise, tuna, beans, white rice, and macaroni and cheese. These items are to be funneled to Oakwood Community Center for distribution to families in need.
With the holidays fast approaching, this event is more important than ever. To Giana Cammisa, a senior and an active member in several volunteering groups at the high school, volunteer work is very important for every young person to have incorporated into their lives. She said, “it allows them [kids] to develop a deeper connection with their community.” The Peanut Butter Pop-up aims to bring the greater Capital Region together for the holidays.