Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich teens joined more than 2,000 community volunteers for Greenwich Academy’s record-breaking day of service.
A group of Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich Keystone Club members was part of an extraordinary community effort on November 4, joining more than 2,000 volunteers at Greenwich Academy to package 200,000 meals for children facing food insecurity in the Philippines.
Organized in partnership with the international humanitarian organization Rise Against Hunger, the daylong event celebrated Greenwich Academy’s 200th anniversary with an ambitious goal: packing 200,000 meals in a single day.
The event made history as the largest school meal-packing initiative in Rise Against Hunger’s nearly 30-year history.
Working alongside students from Greenwich Academy, Brunswick School, and other community organizations, BGCG’s Keystone members helped prepare nutritious meals that will provide school lunches for 926 children in the Philippines for an entire academic year. The initiative will also support the construction of a kitchen, dining facility, and clean-water well.
For BGCG’s Keystone teens, the experience offered an opportunity to put leadership into action, working alongside their peers to make a difference far beyond Greenwich.
A Partnership Rooted in Service
The collaboration between Greenwich Academy and Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich extends well beyond this remarkable event.
Each week, a group of Greenwich Academy students visits the Club to volunteer, building relationships with BGCG members and contributing their time and talents to the Club community.
The volunteer group is led by Bobby Walker, Jr., Greenwich Academy’s Assistant Head of School for Student and Community Life. Walker has a longstanding connection to BGCG, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer. He continues to support the Club’s mission as a member of our Advisory Board.
“One of the things I love most about the partnership between Greenwich Academy and Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich is seeing young people from all backgrounds come together with a shared purpose,” said Walker. “Whether our GA students are volunteering at the Club each week or our Keystone teens are joining us for an event like Rise Against Hunger, these experiences build connections, strengthen our community, and show young people the impact they can have when they work together.”
Developing Leaders Who Give Back
Community service is a cornerstone of BGCG’s Keystone Club, a leadership development program for high school students that emphasizes academic success, career preparation, and service to others.
Through hands-on experiences like the Rise Against Hunger event, Keystone members develop teamwork, leadership, and a deeper understanding of their ability to create positive change.
“I’m incredibly proud of our Keystone members for stepping up and being part of something so meaningful,” said Ryan Accurso, BGCG’s Teen Coordinator and Keystone Advisor, who accompanied the teens to the event. “Experiences like this help our teens recognize that leadership is about showing up for others, working toward a common goal, and understanding that even a few hours of your time can make a real difference.”
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich is proud of its Keystone members for contributing to this historic effort and grateful to Greenwich Academy for including them in such a meaningful day of service.
Together, these young leaders are demonstrating that making a difference doesn’t have to wait until adulthood. It starts with showing up, lending a hand, and recognizing the power of working together.
