COVID-19 MASK MAKING PROJECT • MARCH, 2020
No one could have imagined what is happening right now, spring of 2020. The Coronavirus, quarantines, self-isolation, home-schooling, all sports canceled…it just goes on. We are living thru a pandemic that we never could have envisioned. There doesn’t seem to be a lot that we, as teens, can do during this time, other than the obvious choice to “stay home”. My Mom’s nurse friend let her know that they are in need of masks. Although homemade masks do not compare to N95 medical masks, they are still useful. She mentioned that some medical professionals are wearing them over their N95s to keep those clean during their shift…as they need to last. They can also be used for patients who are in the hospitals for other types of issues, such as injuries, etc. So…we pulled out my Mom’s craft bin and sewing machine (which do not get used often), and started to make some masks. We had limited options for our fabric choices (although scored with a piece of Pittsburg Steelers cottton) and used new headbands for the elastic, but we continued on. It became clear that my brother and I are NOT good at sewing. Luckily, we were able to measure, cut, prep, package and deliver…so did our part in this endeavor, while my Mom did the actual sewing. Although this is just one small gesture, going to just one hospital in our area (Mercy Folsom), it was nice to feel helpful in a time where we are all feeling so helpless. Praying for our medical staffs and first responders who are going above and beyond to keep us well.
Holiday Outreach giving tree • December, 2019
This year I was fortunate to help out with the 6th Annual Holiday Outreach Giving Tree in Folsom, CA. The program helped 6 families (with 17 children), as well as teen mothers and babies at the Walnutwood High School Adolescent Parent Program. A list of needs and items for Christmas wishes were compiled from each family member. In November and December, my family and many others in the community donated these items . . . grateful to give to those less fortunate. On December 17th, we gathered to wrap all of the gifts, which were distributed that following weekend just in time for Christmas. It is eye opening when you see that at the top of an 8-year-old boy’s wish list is a warm jacket and socks. It reminded me of how lucky I am to have been provided with everything I need and much of what I want in this life. This is a great event that I plan to make an annual tradition. I applaud the creator of this event, Nicole Brown, and thank her for inviting me to participate.
Folsom Food Drive • September 21, 2019
The City of Folsom hosts a Community Service Day each year. This year I chose to get involved with the Folsom Food Drive that benefits Twin Lakes Food Bank. We delivered grocery bags to all Folsom residents in advance, then on September 21, 2019, we collected canned goods and non-perishable items from each doorstep. I spent the day collecting and delivering these bags to the food bank. This event provides food for those in need in our community. I have been so fortunate as to never wonder where my next meal would be coming from. Not everyone is so lucky. I am honored to help with this event, even in this small way.
Papa Steve Football Fundamentals Camp • may 3/4, 2019
Papa Steve Football Fundamentals Camp was started to support young athletic programs in honor of Steve Edwards. Steve’s grandson was my bestie from preschool. He lived his life coaching and mentoring young athletes, and most recently, enjoying watching his grandchildren’s sports events. Sadly, Papa Steve passed away in an auto accident caused by a stroke in 2015. His son, Rick Edwards, started this event to honor his father, while offering scholarships to various youth athletic programs in the area in his name. The camp has raised thousands of dollars, as well as provided mentorships, for many organizations and hundreds of boys. I started as a participant of the camp, but now volunteer and plan to continue to do so for as long as possible. Papa Steve lives on thru everyone who knew him and this camp. I am proud to be a part of it while getting to share my love of the game of football.
25th annual Run to Feed the Hungry • Nov. 22, 2018
I think I was 4 or 5 when I did my very first Run to Feed the Hungry in Sacramento, CA. It is the largest Thanksgiving Day run in the country and all proceeds benefit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, an incredible non-profit organization that truly helps those in need in Sacramento County. Over the years I have raised money for the event and volunteered with race preparation. With almost 30,000 participants, it takes a lot of volunteers to make it happen. This year I raised $331 with the help of family and friends who wanted to help, as well as labeled thousands of bibs and sorted hundreds of boxes, leading up to packet pick up.
I was introduced to SFBFS by my Mom, who has been working with them since 2005. My parents have taught my brother and I the importance of giving back. They tell us that we live in this “bubble”. You see, we live in this great city, in a nice home, and really have everything we need or want. Many others are not so lucky. It’s OK to live in our bubbles as long as we recognize our blessings and give back in any way we can. Did you know that just $5 can serve 40 meals to the working poor whose dollars might not stretch all month? That $50 can provide 10 articles of clothing to 9 people who need it to stay warm? From job readiness to parenting workshops to senior assistance, SFBFS does so much more than just food. I am thrilled to have done my small part for over 10 years now and plan to continue to “do GOOD” for Run to Feed the Hungry and Sacramennto Food Bank & Family Services for years to come!
Impact Teen Driver is a program that works to share with teens the dangers of reckless and distracted driving.
The message to young people is simple, yet vital: Focus on the road ahead and get to where you are going safely.
I hosted this event for teens that are just now getting their permits and licenses....young new drivers. The goal was to educate all of us so that we can truly understand the power of a vehicle, and the power we have behind the wheel. Distracted driving kills. So many lives are taken or changed forever from simple distractions we can prevent as good drivers and passengers. This KING FOR GOOD event was definitely a success and I will be hosting another in the next couple of months. A big thanks to Office Rodney Fitzhugh of the California Highway Patrol for donating his time to help save lives.
IMPACT TEEN DRIVER • july 10, 2018
TOPSOCCER FOLSOM • MAY 19, 2018
TOPSoccer is a community-based play, training and team placement program for young athletes with special needs (abilities). It is run by local volunteers and designed to meet the needs of children with physical and/or other special needs. The program targets those kids ages 4 and up who would like to play soccer, but are challenged by the traditional soccer environment, including those kids with physical supports and wheelchairs.
TOPSoccer Folsom took place on May 19, 2018. I was lucky to be invited by my buddy Nick to volunteer at this event. Along with a handful of other friends, we volunteered and were paired with youth athletes with physical and/or mental disabilities. It was a great experience. Thanks to Jenny Silver (Nick's Mom) who has volunteered with this event for years and organized this group of 15 years olds to help out.