Photo Courtesy of Queens Borough President’s Office
Last fall, Jacob and his older sister Jamie were recognized by then-Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, receiving awards for their community service throughout the pandemic.
By Forum Staff
An 11-year-old community advocate from Ridgewood is teaming up with California Pizza Kitchen to raise money for The Hungry Monk Rescue Truck, a Queens–based organization that provides food for residents in need across the five boroughs.
When the pandemic began in the spring of 2020, Jacob began volunteering with The Hungry Monk Rescue Truck, bringing food and other supplies to community members in need. His older sister Jamie also joined him, and started a fundraiser to supply local food pantries with menstrual products. Last fall, both siblings were recognized by then-Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, receiving awards for their community service throughout the pandemic.
Photo Courtesy of The Hungry Monk Rescue Truck
The Hungry Monk Rescue Truck is a borough–based organization that provides food for residents in need across the city.
Although Jacob had to take a break from volunteering with The Hungry Monk Rescue Truck to focus on school this past spring, he said he is excited to be fundraising again this summer.
“When I volunteered with The Hungry Monk Rescue Truck and Father Mike, I learned that there are so many people who need food in our community,” Jacob said. “Teamwork is important and the more people who help out, the more we can get done together.”
Jacob first partnered with California Pizza Kitchen back in 2019 to help raise money for his classmates’ graduation dues at PS 290. He spent 8-10 hours each week working as a host at the restaurant, and asked guests if they would like to donate 20 percent of their check to the fund. In total, Jacob was able to raise $8,000 for his school.
This new fundraising effort will involve as many community members as possible. Jacob will be working as a host at California Pizza Kitchen to fundraise for The Hungry Monk Rescue Truck. According to Jacob’s mom, Connie Altamirano, his goal is to raise $10,000 to help pay for the food that the organization distributes.
