Page 54 - Tennessee Teen Volunteer Judge's Book 2022

What can you do during your Tenure of Service as a Titleholder to impact your community?
I will continue my work with the Backpack Ministry in helping provide students in McNairy County with food items for the weekend and on extended breaks from school. I will also continue collecting nonperishable food items for the local parks’ food boxes, collecting hygiene items for the area schools and nursing homes, and collecting pet supplies for the local humane society. These are just of few of the ways I am involved in making an impact in my community. I also look forward to any opportunity for growth with community service that this title may bring.
What has been your involvement with your platform?
I have been involved with the Backpack Ministry for 3 years. I have personally helped organized fundraising events, served meals, packed nonperishable food bags during covid, and stocked food items in local park boxes. Currently we have plans to host a pageant and will design a t- shirt for additional fundraising.
What inspired you to first become involved in your platform?
After helping serve food at a local church event in Junior High, I was made aware that the meals served at school would be the only meals that many of the children would receive that day. When looking for ways to help, we began feeding those in need and gradually saw the number of children in the ministry increase. After one of the children approached me and stated they often did not have food at home, and they often gave what little they had to the younger children I decided I wanted to become involved in something more. After meeting Katie Allen and hearing about the Backpack Ministry, I knew I had found the place I needed to serve.
If you are selected as the winner, how would you mobilize and market your platform nationally?
If I were to win, it would give me the opportunity to travel and speak about the importance of childhood hunger. This would allow me to share and provide others with the inspiration and tools to start similar programs across the country. It would be an amazing opportunity to share my passion to combat this issue on a state and national scale.
How would you utilize social media in order to positively further your position as a titleholder if you are selected as the winner?
Social media would give me the opportunity to connect and communicate with others to promote awareness for childhood hunger. Social media is also a way for me to connect with sponsors and foster relationships to promote growth for them and their companies. Social media also allows me the opportunity to connect and mentor others, I love encouraging and helping others with personal growth. Social media is a great way for me to connect and develop relationships.