At just 10 years old, Ly Olivia Dennis has already made a profound impact on the Central Texas community. As hunger remains a pressing issue, especially for children, Ly's dedication to volunteering reminds us of the power of youth in addressing food insecurity. This summer, Ly completed an incredible 75 hours of service, earning the President's Volunteer Service Award. Her story is a testament to the difference young people can make when given the opportunity to serve.
In Texas, 1 in 5 children face hunger. Many families struggle to provide consistent, nutritious meals, leaving children vulnerable to food insecurity. When children experience hunger, it affects their physical, emotional and academic well-being. They often feel isolated, uncertain about where their next meal will come from and unable to fully participate in the joys of childhood.
At the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB), we are committed to addressing child hunger head-on. One of the keyways we do this is by providing opportunities for volunteers like Ly to support our mission. Volunteers in our warehouse, like Ly, help sort and prepare food donations, ensuring that every meal distributed is safe and ready to enjoy. From composting to organizing, they are the heartbeat behind the scenes.
Ly has been volunteering with us for a year, and during that time, she has shown that age is no barrier to making a difference. As she explains, "I like working with the compost and trash because I like to dump things." But it's more than just the fun of the tasks—Ly understands the deeper importance of the work. She shared that volunteering at CTFB has taught her valuable life lessons, such as "making mistakes and learning from them." Her volunteer experience is a prime example of how our community can come together to fight hunger and empower the next generation of changemakers.
This summer, Ly’s hard work paid off in a big way when she earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award, an honor reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service. When asked what motivates her to keep giving back, she says it’s the people around her. “Brad, another volunteer and my friend, has always motivated me when times were tough, and he is so kind,” Ly explained.
Her passion for service is fueled by a desire to help others, particularly children who may not have enough to eat. "It is important because people have feelings and needs. It’s good to help them, especially kids that don’t have food on their table," she said. Through her service, Ly is making sure that no child has to go hungry, one volunteer shift at a time.
At CTFB, we believe that every individual has the power to make a difference, just like Ly. Whether you are young or old, experienced or new to volunteering, your time can help feed families in need. Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back, learn new skills, and become part of a supportive community.
Are you inspired by Ly’s story? There are many ways to get involved. From volunteering at the warehouse to donating to support our programs, every bit of help counts. Join us in our mission to nourish our neighbors in Central Texas by signing up to volunteer today. Together, we can build a stronger, more food-secure community.
