Blind Brook High School Students Give Back at Soup Kitchen

Community service has a whole new meaning for a group of students at Blind Brook High School.  Every week, the young men and women volunteer in nearby Port Chester at the St. Peter’s Church soup kitchen.

“I just really love putting a smile on people’s faces, whether they say thank you or not, it just feels great to know that you’re helping someone else,” said senior Jeremy Scharf.

Each student has specific duties to accomplish; they carefully carry bowls of soup, evenly distribute mashed potatoes and vegetables and share savory desserts. To-go bags are also distributed at the end of the meal. Every meal is cooked and donated by families within the Blind Brook community.

Blind Brook community service facilitator Jane Romm recognized the need for guidance among the students, initiating the idea for a community service club to help students find their niche among their community.

“I asked if I could do a community service club here to try and coordinate activities…I was already involved with the soup kitchen so I decided to get the kids involved in that…I’m always looking for more opportunities. Teaching is my career, community service is my passion.”

Senior Lucas McBride is one of the first students at the soup kitchen each week accompanied by his mother, Mrs. Angeles McBride who is a permanent presence. 

“I feel like I relate to them and I just want to help,” states Lucas. 

The community service club at Blind Brook High School has helped four students in particular gain a deeper appreciation for giving back to their community: Lucas McBride takes charge of floor service; Jeremy Scharf coordinates employement; Ali Dulman is in charge of paper goods and desserts; and Renee Mango handles obtaining the main meal. Together the group have served their fellow citizens well beyond the 80 required hours.  

“I got involved originally to fulfill the community service requirement, but after doing it a few times, you realize how special it is,” said Jeremy who has volunteered at St. Paul's since his freshman year at Blind Brook High School.

Junior Renee Mango said, “My family is very involved in helping other people through charities...I think it’s an amazing cause; since it’s so local to us, it’s a really important issue.” said junior Renee Mango. Her dad Giani Mango is also an adult chaperone.

“We started for the hours, but we wouldn’t keep going if we didn’t love it, “ noted senior Ali Dulman.
   
Ali, Renee, Lucas and Jeremy have exemplified leadership and continue to be positive role models to their peers. Their passion is evident as they serve others.

Said Renee, “It’s great, because it’s a hands on activity…you’re actually doing something, you see it making a difference.”