Student-led organization at Valencia makes generous donation to benefit PYLUSD families

Throughout the month of November, Valencia High School students from the Helping Hands for Future Leaders organization conducted a Thanksgiving Turkey Basket and Food Drive to benefit the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District’s McKinney Vento food pantry. The McKinney Vento food pantry is located at the district’s Family Resource Center on the Topaz Elementary School campus.

The students donated seven baskets with gift cards to purchase a turkey. One hundred and forty food items were donated in total! Each basket should have enough food to feed a family of four or more to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at home.

The club president, Eileen Kwon shared, “Participating in the Turkey Basket Drive is a wonderful way to ensure others can experience this season of gratitude—and a delicious meal.”

Ms. Karina Luna, the district’s counselor on McKinney Vento Program, was able to provide a presentation on how Helping Hands has supported children and families. This event was a wonderful opportunity for students to understand the harsh circumstances families undergo and how we also have the power to make a small
impact.

Helping Hands for Future Leaders is a high school student club consisting of seven high school students including Eileen Kwon, Calvin Hong, Yuna Shim, Nathan Park, Joseph Park, Jayden Kim, and Daniel Shim who are actively engaged with the community through a variety of volunteer service projects to make a positive impact on our community. If you are interested in the organization, email at helpinghandsforfl@gmail.com.