Kids & Family
Westfield Teen Spends Winter Break Volunteering in Los Angeles
Emily Hecht is one of 26 teens volunteering with Young Judaea's "Alternative Winter Break."
One Westfield High School ninth grader spent part of her winter break across the county in Los Angeles helping the less fortunate as part of the Young Judaea's Alternative Winter Break.
Emily Hecht was one of 26 teens who participated in AWB, which focuses on issues around poverty by volunteering at shelters and food banks including the LA Regional Food bank, MidnightMission, People Assisting the Homeless (aka PATH) and the Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters of LA.
Hecht went on the trip to do something that would make an impact in the lives of others.
"I’m on AWB to make a change in a person’s life, make a difference in the community, and inspire others to do the same," she said.
She spent Dec. 22 to Dec. 27 in L.A. with the program.
The AWB program is aimed at developing a sense of community-building in young people while also providing a hands-on look at some of the hardships suffered by people in disadvantaged areas.
Other teens volunteered were donating their time in New Orleans, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
For more on AWB, visit the Young Judaea website.
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