“I know that food insecurity is a big issue in our neighborhood… so, when I saw the opportunity, I felt like I needed to help out,” says Brooke Brattner, a senior at Lakeland High School, explaining her ‘why’ for volunteering with Feeding Westchester.
It was in 2021 that Brooke took on the role of a Feeding Westchester volunteer. Her journey began as a high schooler at the Jefferson Valley Mall (Feeding Westchester’s Lakeland-stationed drop-off site in Shrub Oak). Collaborative work with other volunteers has shaped her experience into one of true impact. As she puts it, “All the volunteers were able to work together… we all were able to come to a conclusion on how to do it efficiently. That’s what’s best for those in need.”
Brooke’s journey continued on the first Wednesday of every month—each and every month of her high school career since she began with Feeding Westchester. As a result, she took on the responsibility of being a leader among the volunteers. But how is a young high schooler able to do this? For Brooke, it was by establishing systems and procedures to ensure the success and ease of each distribution—from training monthly volunteers to jumping in wherever she was needed. Brooke’s leadership is unmatched. Not only did her efforts impact others, but “being able to help translate for families” also impacted her personally, as she served as a translator for Spanish-speaking families.
But that’s not the end of Brooke’s efforts with Feeding Westchester! She has gone above and beyond by partnering her family business with the organization and even donating her own hats and scarves during the winter season to community members.
“(Community members) are always so appreciative… being able to provide for them, they are very thankful,” Brooke says when asked about her engagement with neighbors. As a volunteer, she notices the direct effects of her and others’ dedication to enhancing the quality of life for others.
There is still much in store for Brooke as she heads to Iona University in the fall, where she received the Gael Service Award. Brooke expressed that she plans “to continue volunteering for not only Feeding Westchester, but other organizations that help with food security.”
It is volunteers like Brooke who are at the heart of Feeding Westchester’s mission—showing others what it means to be a true neighbor.
