This High School Senior Planned A Pizza Party For The Homeless Instead Of A Graduation Celebration

Jun 08, 2019

High school graduation is one of the most important life events. As teenagers bid farewell to childhood friends and look to the beginnings of their adult life, most dedicate their remaining time to celebrating with their peers. However, one graduate from Houston, Texas is using her high school graduation as an opportunity to improve the lives of some of her city’s most vulnerable residents.

Leanne Carrasco has been volunteering at Star of Hope Family Development Center with her family for several years. The shelter houses the homeless women and children of the city, giving them a safe place to stay as the residents try to improve their lives.

When speaking to reporters on why she volunteers at Star of Hope, Leanne says that she was fortunate to be born into an affluent family that gave her plenty of opportunities to learn and grow from a young age.

Since many people are not afforded those opportunities, Leanne feels that it is her duty to give back to her community.

Leanne’s pizza party, which took a month to plan, was the culmination of all her years of service at the shelter. Ordering 95 pizzas, Leanne served 200 residents of Star of Hope. Leanne even got her friends to chip in, helping her serve pizza and collect items for goody bags for the women and children.

Leanne explains that she and her friends built hygiene goody bags for the residents, filled with everyday essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant.

Leanne’s act of generosity soon went viral, with the teen making national headlines. In an interview with CNN, Scott Arthur, who runs Star of Hope, said that Leanne and her friends’ generosity is proof positive that the next generation is ready to tackle the troubles of our society as they dedicate their lives to the service of others.

More than that, Scott says that the event was a morale booster for the residents, who were shown that people really do care about their plight.

At the end of the dinner, Leanne got a standing ovation from the residents, who later lined up to hug her.

Ever humble, Leanne says that everyone should be grateful for what they have and never stop trying to help others. The graduate will soon be studying nursing at Briar Cliff University.

What do you think of Leanne hosting a pizza party for Houston’s homeless women and children? Do you volunteer at a shelter or food bank in your community? Let us know and don't forget to spread the love by showing this video to your friends and family!