What Is Gather to Give?
Gather to Give creates authentic connections through cooking, conversation, and community service. Led by Melanie, a 30-year certified culinary and mindfulness educator and 40-year volunteer, this isn't just another volunteer program.
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It's where teens learn to connect, converse, and be kind while serving others – developing purpose and passion through meaningful work.
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Meaningful Service Projects
Every month brings a new way to help our community through food and caring:
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Creating care packages for senior centers
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Preparing healthy treats and snacks for children's hospitals, firehouses, police departments
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Hosting bake sales for local causes
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Writing encouragement cards to accompany our gifts
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Delivering treats to to local organizations​
Community Service Hours
Earn 25-30+ community service hours throughout the program year, with additional opportunities for more. Perfect for high school graduation requirements, college applications, and personal growth.
What Happens at Each Gathering?
Welcome & Connect - Check in with each other, share highlights from the month
Cook & Create Together - Bake cookies, prepare care packages, or craft items for others while building natural friendships
Share & Plan - Enjoy snacks together while discussing upcoming service projects and choosing recipients
Package & Reflect - Finish current project, write cards/notes, celebrate our impact
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The Connection Teens Need
Recent studies show teen loneliness is at epidemic levels. Gather to Give addresses this crisis head-on by creating the deep, meaningful relationships teens crave while channeling their energy toward helping others – developing purpose and passion through work they love.
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Your teen will:
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Form genuine friendships with like-minded peers
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Develop leadership skills and confidence
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Learn practical cooking and life skills
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Experience the joy of making a real difference
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Build a strong foundation for their college applications
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Feel genuinely valued and purposeful
