The Valdosta Lowndes County YMCA Teen Leaders Club packed United Way Little Free Food Pantries with canned goods and boxed meals in preparation for upcoming holidays on Monday night. The Leaders Club hosted a food drive at the YMCA throughout the month of November. These donations were placed in the United Way Little Free Food Pantries around Valdosta in order to support those facing food insecurity this holiday season.

"Packing the pantries was a great experience allowing us to help out the community while having some fun," said Club Secretary Manny Martinez.

This is the third year the YMCA Leaders Club has Packed the Pantry with plans to continue the tradition next year. The Club collected enough food to pack four pantries around downtown Valdosta.

"Through the amazing generosity of the YMCA members, we were able to fill the two downtown Free Little Pantries twice in the month of November. This project opens our teens' eyes to the needs right here in their hometown. They learn that small projects can make a big impact and bring people together," said volunteer Leaders Club Advisor Claire Walton.

The YMCA Leaders Club is a group for 13-18 years olds to learn leadership through service. The teens complete service hours each month for both the YMCA and the community. The program trains the teens in a variety of areas while also teaching them important life skills, like public speaking, character development and community service. To learn more visit https://www.valdostaymca.org/teenleaders/

To make a donation or get involved, contact Claire at [email protected]