Rancho Santa Fe teenager Jake Katz is hoping to make an impact in the lives of youth experiencing homelessness with his new Silly Socks Box, a heartfelt project ensuring no child feels forgotten or uncared for. The initiative is part of CareCrewSD, a community service organization that the Torrey Pines High School junior founded earlier this year.<\/p>\n
Jake was inspired to start the CareCrewSD after his mom Cecile Giraud joined the board of Care House, a San Diego nonprofit dedicated to serving families experiencing homelessness and hardship, including children ages 6-12.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough them, I learned that kids not far from our community were going to school worried about having enough food or where they would sleep that night. That hit differently,\u201d Jake said. \u201cIt made me realize that young people can make a difference for kids who haven\u2019t had the same opportunities we have.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since launching CareCrewSD, he has held a community fundraiser getting local churches and private companies involved, led a book drive, and delivered more than 200 \u201cSmiley Bags,\u201d filled with easy-to-prepare food for kids to have when they\u2019re not at school.<\/p>\n
Jake is doing this youth-led charitable work while balancing a busy schedule of school and ACT prep tutoring, a part-time job at Nick the Greek in 4S Ranch, and taking piano lessons and AP French online. The basketball player is also often in the gym\u2014 he played for the JV Falcons last year.<\/p>\n
With the Silly Socks Box, he is hoping to get an even bigger crew of teenagers and community members behind him.<\/p>\n
Hear from Jake in his own words:<\/p>\n
What inspired Silly Socks and how does it work? Who does it serve?<\/p>\n
The Silly Socks Box was actually inspired by a mom served by Care House. She explained that meeting her children\u2019s everyday needs can be challenging and that sometimes there just isn\u2019t enough money left for things as basic as socks or hygiene products.<\/p>\n
We wanted to help in a way that was practical but also fun for the kids. Each box includes three pairs of colorful socks, nut-free granola bars, a juice box, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a $10 treat gift card. They\u2019re simple things, but I hope they remind the kids that people in their community genuinely care about them.<\/p>\n
People can donate items through the Amazon Wish List on our website. Other teens and I then put the boxes together and deliver them to Care House, which distributes them to children through the schools they serve.<\/p>\n
Why is it important to you to give back? What has been the most meaningful thing you\u2019ve taken away from the experience?<\/p>\n
What has affected me the most is realizing how close these kids are to us. We can live only a few miles apart and have completely different realities. One kid is thinking about school, sports or what he\u2019s doing that weekend, while another kid is worrying about whether there will be food for dinner. I think once you become aware of that, it\u2019s hard to just ignore it.<\/p>\n
The other thing I\u2019ve learned is that helping doesn\u2019t have to start with some huge idea.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m 16. I don\u2019t have a lot of money or resources, but I can organize a fundraiser, collect food, pack boxes and get other people involved. That\u2019s probably been the most meaningful part for me\u2014realizing that being young doesn\u2019t mean you have to wait to make a difference.<\/p>\n
To get involved, visit CareCrewSD.org<\/a>, and go to the Silly Socks Box page to view the Amazon Wish List.\u00a0 Reach out to Jake at info@carecrewsd.org or follow along on Instagram @CareCrewSD.<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t