We first met at preschool when Emily had just moved from New York to the Bay Area. From that moment on, our families grew up side by side - sharing holidays, milestones, and countless everyday memories. Both of us were raised in families where giving back was a way of life. We grew up watching our parents roll up their sleeves for service projects and community causes, and it has inspired us to do the same. Though we went to the same middle school, we eventually landed at different high schools. This cause continues to be the thread that keeps us together. Despite busy schedules, we still make space for the things that matter most- focusing on our local community and finding new ways of giving back. What began with a backpack drive for the Boys & Girls Club in 2021 has grown into a shared mission: to turn our energy, ideas, and worries into something that could brighten other people’s lives. And as we look ahead to college and beyond, we know this won’t end with us. We’re committed to making sure this organization continues to thrive in our community. More than a project, this is the legacy we hope to leave behind: proving that when young people come together with purpose, they can create lasting change.