Thaddeus, 12, first experienced how he could change lives through hunger relief a few years ago when he was living in New York. After receiving a flyer in the mail, he excitedly pursued an opportunity to feed 210 of his homeless neighbors on Christmas Day.

Since relocating to Tennessee, he’s become an enthusiastic Second Harvest volunteer. Thaddeus and his parents,Carolyn and Del, packed 2,244 BackPacks at our Get Your Hands Dirty event this past September. They’ve also made financial donations, held food drives and hosted an annual Halloween fundraiser — complete with a haunted maze and barn dance — to support the fight against hunger right here in our community.

During the holidays, Thaddeus, Carolyn and Del try to make the season bright for their neighbors in need. Every Christmas Eve they deliver meals and gifts to struggling families in Fairview and Franklin.

Thaddeus loves to see kids’ faces light up when they receive their toys. He’s most passionate about feeding other children — it was difficult for him to learn that more than 5,000 kids in his community rely on food from Second Harvest BackPacks each and every weekend. He says he’s so glad that Second Harvest exists to make sure these atrisk students won’t go hungry.

As he reflects on how volunteering with his parents has made an impression on him, Thaddeus encourages other families to give their time together. He says he believes beginning his work helping others at a young age will guide his decisions later in life.

“Most people learn basic and helpful things when they’re younger,” he says. “Their values, their morals…[They learn] the importance of helping.”

We are so inspired by kids like Thaddeus who have a heart for helping their fellow neighbors, and we’re truly grateful to have them on our team. On behalf of those we serve together, thank you for fighting hunger and feeding hope