JL Blessings Awards
Awards are given to young adults who exemplify outstanding volunteerism and help spread the message of “Just Love”!!
2023
Amanda (center)
Amanda Collopy, age 17
Clarkstown North High School, Rockland County NY
“I am so blessed that I have people in my community that were willing to help me collect all the supplies for the backpacks. Knowing some people are not fortunate enough to get basic necessities to live is heartbreaking. I want to be able to help as much as I can, and even if it’s just small as collecting supplies, I know that each small act will end up making a big difference. I am very thankful to get the opportunity to help people in need.”
Kiran Maharaj, age 17
East Meadow High School, Nassau County NY
President and Founder of the East Meadow Red Cross Club
“I have always been very fortunate in my life and I am in a position where I can help others. JL blessings was chosen because giving something directly to the homeless that they can use is a cause that I wanted to be a part of”.
Shelby (left) and Samantha (right)
Shelby, age 17
Clarkstown South High School, Rockland County NY
“The JL Blessings initiative really speaks to me because I plan on attending college in New York City. I am inspired by the culture, diversity, and community within the city, and homeless people are a part of that. Their lives are just as important as everyone else’s. Creating the backpacks for them is a small way of showing them that. I have especially enjoyed writing the messages for the bags I packed because they’re personalized and made the experience more impactful to me. JL Blessings is my favorite Assets even to contribute to because it brings my community together to help the NYC community.”
Samantha, age 17
Clarkstown South High School, Rockland County
“I chose to go above and beyond to help the less fortunate when I joined the Assets Leadership team in 2020. Since then, we have worked with JL Blessings every year to create ‘blessings in a backpack."‘ This event has allowed me and the Assets team to connect with the community and work together to help the less fortunate.”
2022
Mackenzie, age 7
Englewood Cliffs Girl Scouts Troop #98447, Bergen County NJ
I want everyone to always feel love and joy in their hearts. Every person deserves to be happy and have things that keep them comfortable and safe. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share blessings with those in my community who need it.
Andy Binder, age 11
Northvale Public School, Bergen County, NJ
Andy says that he chose to help the less fortunate because he wanted to give to people that aren’t as lucky as him to have good health or living conditions. He picked the items himself and packed all of the backpacks.
Taylor Jacobs, age 15
Clarkstown North High School, Rockland County NY
Dedicating time to JL Blessings in a Backpack was a great experience because it benefitted people in need. Fillings backpacks with items that so many of us take for granted reinforces the importance of helping others. It was amazing to see so many students from Clarkstown North and Clarkstown South work together to make a difference in the lives of so many people. I cannot wait to participate again next year!
2021
Nick Mitru, age 15
Clarkstown South, Rockland County NY
"I wanted to go above and beyond to help the less fortunate because I always have the use of a toothbrush or I’m always able to go brush my hair, shave, eat, etc. People who are less fortunate don’t always have the chance to do the same things, especially during this time of the year when they are cold and hungry. I am so lucky that I get to go to sleep at night well fed and warm and I am now very conscious that many other people, even kids, don’t get the same things as I do. It always feels good to help other people out especially when you know how unfortunate their life has been lately. I couldn’t imagine the times they have been through, and still are going through, and I feel honored to be one small part of helping them."
Joseph Amodeo, age 15
Clarkstown South, Rockland County NY
"It just feels good to help other people who are less fortunate. It is sad that there are people who don’t have the necessities and don’t get to wake up to shelter, food, a sink to wash their face, or a toothbrush to brush their teeth. It feels like we are being a big influence on people who receive these backpacks because it allows them have the things they need to take proper care of themselves and maybe that can lead them to making other positive changes."
Nver Bakalian, age 12
Northvale Public School, Bergen County NJ
"I remember as a younger kid visiting my aunt in NY and seeing homeless people. I never had anything to give. I gave a coin I found on the street once. With JL Blessings, now I feel like I can actually do something."
Maddie Villiard, age 12
Northvale Public School, Bergen County NJ
"I thought it was so special to help others, especially people that need it the most."
Sam Carey, age 13
Norwood Public School, Bergen County NJ
"I wanted to go above and beyond for JL Blessings because I am so thankful for all the things that I have. I wanted to give back to the community and help people that are less fortunate."
Mae Conway, age 14
Norwood Public School, Bergen County NJ
"I wanted to go above and beyond for JL Blessings because I feel blessed to have everything that I have, so I wanted to give back to people in need."
2020
Angelina DeStefano, age 14
Tappan Zee High School, Rockland County NY
“I wanted to help the less fortunate because I was always taught that you should help others every chance you get.”
Caroline Barry, age 14
Northern Valley Old Tappan, Bergen County NJ
“I chose to go above and beyond because I wanted to make a difference and knew that if I asked friends and family they would support my goal. I have so much and so many people have nothing and it feels good to give, especially in these difficult times.”
Aidan Pisano, age 13
Norwood Public School, Bergen County NJ
“It took so little of my time to make a big difference in people’s lives who are less fortunate. It’s not just about giving…it’s about what it means to them.”
2019
MAX GOULD, age 17
Portledge School, Nassau County NY
“I chose to support JL Blessings because I know that myself along with my classmates and teachers are blessed everyday to have a home with food, a closet with warm winter clothing, and a bed to sleep in every night. Being the President of The Student Council, I have chosen to focus on Community Service this year and partnering with JL Blessings was the perfect initiative to get the entire school to do good and give back. Not only were we able to connect as a community by working together to host a bake sale (for funds) and make cards, but as a school we were able to make an impact on others outside of our daily lives.”
Lauren Kideckel, age 13
Lazar Middle School, Morris County NJ
“This December I became a Bat-Mitzvah - which is an adult in the Jewish religion. In order to fulfill my responsibilities, I had to participate in a Mitzvah project, or do something to help other people. I knew when I selected a project I wanted to do something more then just donate money. I wanted to physically help people and make a difference in their life and then even see the difference I was making. This was the perfect match for me. Thank you for letting me participate and hopefully I can do it again next year.”
Cate sardo, age 12
South Orangetown Middle School, Rockland County NY
“I am fortunate to live the life I live. What most people take for granted, homeless people don’t have and Cate’s Operation Christmas was launched!”