Youth Advisory Council

Youth Advisory Council

"Being a part of the YAC is like being a piece in the puzzle. All the YAC members are different, but we all bring ideas and opinions to the table."

What is the Youth Advisory Council?

The YAC is a structured opportunity for high school students to serve in a leadership capacity within KHK, lending youth voice and perspective to our organization.

What do members of the YAC do?

The YAC meets on a regular basis (at least twice a month) to plan upcoming projects and quarterly ambassador meetings. Members of the YAC represent KHK at public relations events and demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and commitment to the core values of KHK.

Who is on the YAC?

Ellie Donohue, Age 17

Senior, Westhill High School

Hello, my name is Ellie Donohue, I have been with Kids Helping Kids for about 8 years now. My favorite project is probably the Pumpkin Bread Bake because we get to be apart of almost every step of the process, from packaging the individual loafs of bread to selling it around Stamford and in other surrounding towns. Being with Kids Helping Kids has given me the opportunity to grow as a person and learn very valuable skills I will be able to use in the future. One of the things that I am most grateful to Kids Helping Kids for is my public speaking, because of Kids Helping Kids I have been able to expand my public speaking ability, and I am now much more confident in front of crowds.

Sophia Camodeo, Age 17

Senior, Greenwich High School

Hello, my name is Sophia Camodeo, and I have been with Kids Helping Kids for five years. My favorite Kids Helping Kids project is The Handled with Care Dress Boutique because I love how this event puts smiles on kids faces and they are able to have such a beautiful dress for their special occasion. Before my time with Kids Helping Kids, I was very shy and hated public speaking. Now I am able to lead groups and let my voice be heard. I have also learned how to work with others and take responsibility.

Elizabeth SanFilippo, Age 17

Senior, Lauralton Hall

Hello, my name is Elizabeth SanFilippo, and I have been involved with Kids Helping Kids for seven years. My favorite project is the Gift of Giving. I love it because it is a great way to give back to the community by helping other pick out gifts for their family members around Christmas time. Through this and all the projects at KHK, I have been able to learn to communicate with others. If you want to hear more about me, please email me at yac@kidshelpingkidsct.org.

Olivia Pistone, Age 17

Senior, Darien High School

Hi! I'm Olivia Pistone and I have been a part of KHK for a year. My favorite Kids Helping Kids event is the pumpkin bread bake. It's a great way to get into the fall mood, and I had a great time selling the bread. Another YAC member and I started the theater class, where we teach acting, and dancing and we had so much fun! I am excited to be a member and grow and get better at public speaking!

Gabby McGlone, Age 17

Senior, Greenwich High School

Hi! My name is Gabby McGlone and this is my fifth year at Kids Helping Kids! KHK helped me develop great leadership skills such as problem-solving and working well with others. My favorite event is The Handled with Care Dress Boutique. This event is so fun to set up and participate in. It’s so exciting to help girls find the perfect dress for them!

Stella Meier, Age 17

Senior, Darien High School

Hello, my name is Stella and I am so excited to be on the YAC! I have been volunteering with Kids Helping Kids for a year and a half and even sparked my own project! In partnership with fellow YAC member, Olivia, we ran an afterschool program to teach kids about acting and dance. If you have any questions about sparking your own project, KHK in general, or the YAC, please email me at yac@kidshelpingkidsct.org

Kaitlyn Pepa, Age 17

Senior, Stamford High School

Hi, my name is Kaitlyn Pepa, and I have been a part of Kids Helping Kids for six years. I am the lead ambassador of Volleyball Club. My favorite project is the Gift of giving project. Getting to help children excitedly pick out presents for their family and surprise them always makes me happy. Through being a part of KHK, my confidence has increased, my public speaking has gotten better, and I have become overall more selfless and motivated to help others. If you have more questions about my time with KHK, please email me at yac@kidshelpingkids.org

Amelia Stone, Age 16

Junior, Stamford High School

Hello! My name is Amelia Stone and I have been with Kids Helping Kids for seven years. My favorite Kids Helping Kids Project is the gift of giving, as it truly reminds us how important it is to spread holiday cheer and happiness with everyone! Throughout my time with Kids Helping Kids, I have gained so many skills, broadened my horizons, and developed important leadership skills such as talking in front of large crowds of my peers. Now, as a member of the YAC, I can’t wait to do even more for this amazing organization.

Catherine Rogers, Age 16

Junior, Lauralton Hall

Hi, my name is Cat Rogers and I have been proudly working with Kids Helping Kids for four years! My favorite event with KHK is the Handle with Care Dress Boutique. It is a wonderful opportunity for kids of any age to come and find their dream dress whether it is for an upcoming prom or just something pretty to wear for a special occasion. It gives me an opportunity to connect with my peers and watch their faces light up when they find their perfect dress. I am excited to plan more fun events like the Handle with Care Dress Boutique and can't wait to start my journey as a new member of the YAC. If you have any questions feel free to contact me or any of the other YAC members at yac@kidshelpingkids.org!

Matt Sgritta, Age 16

Junior, AITE

My name is Matthew, I like running, boxing and hanging out with my friends. I think it’s important that we all give to others what we have, which is why I’m in KHK. If you have any questions about the organization, new ideas you want to incorporate, or anything else that comes to mind, email me at yac@kidshelpingkidsct.org

Bruce Rutherford, Age 16

Junior, Westhill High School

Hi my name is Bruce and I am a Junior at Westhill High School, Class of 2023. I have been working with Kids Helping Kids for 3 years now and really enjoy attending the service opportunities. I play baseball for Westhill and Stamford Babe Ruth. I am also a representative on the Student Government at Westhill, which is a similar role to being a YAC member for KHK. In addition to KHK, I interact with my community by attending the Stamford Catholic Youth Group. During the summer, I love to go on vacation with my family in New Jersey.
Livia G

Livia Guzda, Age 16

Junior, AITE

Hello! My name is Livia and I am a new member on the YAC. I am a Junior in high school at AITE. I have been a part of Kids Helping Kids for 5 years now. Some of my favorite projects are the handled with care dress boutique, filling in the blanks, as well as girls night in. I hope you will grow to love KHK as much as I do! I am hoping to meet all of you soon!

Rose Onorio, Age 16

Junior, Lauralton Hall

Hi, my name is Rose. I am a junior at The Ursuline school. I have been with Kids Helping Kids for five years now. I have done many projects with Kids helping Kids and have loved them all, but my favorite is the gift of giving. It's my favorite because its so much fun helping kids pick out gifts for their loved ones and is a great way to spread the joy of the holidays. I am so excited to be on the YAC this year.

Adebayor, Age 17

Junior, Fairfield Prep

Hi, I’m Adebayor Eusebio. I’m currently a Fairfield Prep student that loves to draw, skateboard, and learn about new technology and scientific advancements. I’ve been working with KHK for a couple of years now, and love the experience and influence that it had on me growing up. I am eager about my future involvement in Kids Helping Kids and glad that I am a part of this astonishing community.

Wave Walters, Age 16

Freshman, The Hopkins School

Hello! I am Wave Walters. I have been involved with KHK since 2nd grade. I am a 9th grader at The Hopkins School, and I am thrilled to be a part of YAC. I have become a more confident public speaker and collaborator through my time volunteering with Kids Helping Kids. My favorite projects are Handled with Care Dress Boutique and The Pumpkin Bread Bake. I love taking photos at the dress boutique because all of the participants are excited to be there and have fun. My brother and I started the Film Crew to document KHK’s events in video and photography. Please contact me if you want to help with the film crew.

Sophia Villa, Age 14

Freshman, St. Joseph High School

Hello, my name is Sophia Villa, and I have been with Kids Helping Kids for 3 years. Though I have done many projects, my favorite is the Gift of Giving because it’s very fun to help kids pick out presents for their loved ones and it’s a great way to teach kids to think of others! Throughout my time at Kids Helping Kids, I have learned how to be more confident, outgoing, and how to be a leader. At KHK projects, I always feel that my opinion is valued, which makes me feel safe to express myself freely. I am so grateful to be in the YAC and can’t wait for more to come! 

YAC in Action