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Teen hands.jpeg

Gather to Give

Where Connection Meets Community Service

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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. 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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What Is Gather to Give?

Meaningful Service Projects

Every month brings a new way to help our community through food and caring:

  • Creating care packages for senior centers

  • Preparing healthy treats and snacks for children's hospitals, firehouses, police departments

  • Hosting bake sales for local causes

  • Writing encouragement cards to accompany our gifts

  • 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.

Program Details

Who: Ages 12-17 (all skill levels welcome)
When: Third Sunday of each month, 2:30-5:00 PM
Where: 79 Verona Avenue Yonkers, NY 10710
Duration: September through May (9 meetings)
Group Size: Limited to 10
Cost: FREE **Suggested $50. donation per child to offset food/supply costs

2025-2026 Meeting Dates:

  • September 21 • October 19 • November 16

  • December 21 • January 18 • February 15

  • March 15 • April 19 • May 17

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

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.

Your teen will:

  • Form genuine friendships with like-minded peers

  • Develop leadership skills and confidence

  • Learn practical cooking and life skills

  • Experience the joy of making a real difference

  • Build a strong foundation for their college applications

  • Feel genuinely valued and purposeful

Ready to Give Your Teen Something Meaningful?

Space is intentionally limited to ensure every person gets personal attention and forms meaningful connections. We ask for a minimum 3-month commitment but prefer the entire 9 months to allow friendships and group dynamics to develop naturally.

What we provide:

  • All ingredients and supplies

  • Professional instruction and guidance

  • Community service hour documentation

  • A safe, nurturing environment for growth

What your teen brings:

  • Willingness to try new things

  • Respect for others and our shared space

  • Commitment to the group experience

  • An open heart

The program is currently at capacity. Please email us to be waitlisted. 

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