Cereal4All founders Luke and Jett Justin. Photo provided
During September’s Hunger Action Month, Boca Helping Hands in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University and Cereal4All organized the Tackle Hunger cereal drive.
In its third year, the drive offered free tickets to the Owls’ Sept. 9 game against Ohio University to those who donated one or more unopened cereal boxes prior to kickoff.
Participants donated 738 boxes, equating to 7,380 bowls, more than double last year’s total.
“We were so pleased that so many people came out from the community to donate cereal— especially with some rain showers leading up to the game,” said Greg Hazle, executive director of Boca Helping Hands. “Cereal is one of the least-donated items to food banks across the country, which means underserved kids and families do not always get to start their day with a nutritious breakfast.”
Cereal4All was started by 15-year-old twin brothers Jett and Luke Justin, of Boca Raton, when they were age 8. After volunteering at Boca Helping Hands with their parents, the boys planned their first cereal drive at their elementary school in 2016.
Since then, they have expanded the program to 15 schools in Palm Beach County as well as to schools in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Nevada, New York and Washington to benefit local food banks.
“The reason Cereal4All is successful is because most other students feel the same way we do about cereal,” Jett Justin said. “It gets them thinking about the happiness and hunger needs of others in a more personal way.”
For more information, visit https://cereal4all.org.
To learn more about Boca Helping Hands, call 561-417-0913 or visit www.bocahelpinghands.org.
Airport awards $25,000 for aviation students
Now a seven-year tradition, the $25,000 contribution by the Boca Raton Airport Authority to the Boca Raton Airport Scholarship took place at the September board meeting.
The funds aim to underpin the educational pursuits of Palm Beach County students seeking to make their mark in the aviation industry.
“The next generation of aviators and aerospace professionals starts with these students,” said Clara Bennett, the BRAA’s executive director. “We’re proud to be part of their journey toward a career in this growing industry.”
The scholarship is administered by the George Snow Scholarship Fund, which earlier this year honored the BRAA with the Corporate Community Service Award.
For more information, call 561-391-2202 or visit https://bocaairport.com.
Symphonia to teach Milagro Center kids
The Symphonia has entered into a partnership with the Milagro Center to serve as the base of operations for the orchestra’s youth-outreach program.
Named the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Strings and Self-Esteem Program, it provides children from underserved families the opportunity to learn to play a string instrument such as the violin, viola, cello or bass while developing self-esteem through positive instruction and encouragement.
“We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with the Milagro Center,” said Annabel Russell, the Symphonia’s executive director. “Our missions and visions are so aligned in the kind of opportunities we want to bring to the children we serve. This is the perfect new home for our program.”
For more information, call 561-376-3848 or visit https://thesymphonia.org.
Gifts needed for Adopt-A-Family holiday program
Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches is looking for gift donations for children and adults for its 2023 Holiday Adopter Program.
“We are proud to serve over 1,270 families through our programs and services in fiscal year 2023,” said Matt Constantine, the nonprofit’s CEO. “Through donations to this program, families can have a little holiday joy while taking a break from the stress of their daily lives.”
People interested in participating can donate cash, gift cards or gifts. For a donor form, visit www.aafpbc.org/holidayprograms. The deadline to participate is Dec. 1.
Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.
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