A group of 11 eighth-grade boys from Pond Road Middle School in Robbinsville spent their day off volunteering at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, serving meals and assisting staff in feeding nearly 500 people.
“All these boys, at one point or another, expressed interest in getting more deeply involved in their community,” said Samantha Szakacs, one of the parents who helped coordinate the trip.
“Volunteering at the soup kitchen seemed like a perfect way to introduce them to philanthropy and show them what it really means to give back,” she said.
The students — Jayden Joaquin, Jack Gold, Lucas Amato, Cameron Szakacs, Leyton Jakubowski, Colin Makkay, Mikey Shapiro, Dylan Mackenzie, Josh Herman, Chase Serinese and Ryan McRoberts — arrived at TASK by 9:30 a.m.
They handed out coffee, prepared food trays, packed to-go meals, and staffed the popular salad bar.
“It felt really good helping out and I had a lot of fun doing it,” said Cameron Szakacs. “The people were nice, and it just made me feel like I was doing something important. I’d do it again.”
Colin Makkay said the experience exceeded his expectations.
“It was really satisfying being able to help others that need it,” he said. “I was up for any job I was given and it ended up being even better than I expected.”
Lisa Serinese, another parent who helped organize the visit, said TASK staff praised the boys’ energy and kindness and expressed appreciation for the critical role of volunteers.
The students, who have known each other since elementary school, are already talking about returning, and Serinese said the visits could become a regular tradition.
“I am pleased to see the philanthropic spirit of these students, even at their young age,” said Robbinsville Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Pizzo.
He added: “Their volunteering sets a tremendous example for all our pupils, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to give back to the community.”
For more information about volunteering opportunities at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, visit www.trentonsoupkitchen.org.
