Caitlyn unloads a food donation at the food bank she founded in Florida. (Check out her JVibe shirt!)

A little over a year ago, a new congregation, Beth Shalom, was formed in central Florida. Part of any congregation’s responsibility is service to the community, so I looked for a way to do my part.

I decided to establish the Murray Aronowitz Food Bank when I realized how much helping others had meant to my grandfather, Murray Aronowitz. I was very close to my “Pop-Pop” and thought, “What better way to commemorate his life and relationship with God than to found a food bank in his honor?” It would encourage people to help put food on the tables of families who wouldn’t ordinarily have this vital necessity.

My grandfather instilled within me the values of lev b’lev (heart in heart), tikkun olam (repair of the world) and b’tzelem elohim (all people are created in the image of God). I could play my part by helping others who couldn’t afford essential food for their family. The Murray Aronowitz Food Bank means more than the world to my grandfather’s friends and family, because it continues his dream of always wanting to help others and making the world a better place.

To get started, I went through a long application process to apply for a Small-Alper Incentive Grant through PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values. The application required writing essays, answering questions and holding discussions to plan procedures for the food bank. After applying and participating in a conference call with PANIM, I was awarded a $500 grant to found the food bank.

The Murray Aronowitz Food Bank has provided food for more than 100 families, and in partnership with Congregation Beth Shalom, we host an annual Share-A-Meal at The Ronald McDonald House in Orlando, Fla. The food bank is able to regularly provide food for more than 25 families, and we prepare many complete, prepackaged holiday meals. With continued donations, the food bank will expand and be able to feed many more families in the years to come.

After founding the food bank, I have discovered many things, including my love for helping people and an appreciation for being able to continue my family’s legacy. When I decided to carry on my grandfather’s dreams, I began to realize that when somebody passes away, it’s not the end of their story; it’s simply a new beginning for their family and friends—and an opportunity to take on new dreams and goals. I have been given a better understanding of life and its ups and downs, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many different people from diverse walks of life, each of whom has shared with me a special story or lesson that I’ll cherish forever.

I plan to challenge my community to match the initial grant, and I will use the funds to create and deliver as many Thanksgiving meals as possible this fall. My project truly allows me to fulfill my grandfather’s dream to help others live a good and plentiful life. For more information on the food bank and its partnering agencies, please visit mybethshalom.com.

Caitlyn Silvey is 16 years old and lives in Orlando, Fla. She bowls for the varsity team at her school and loves almost any sport. She’s also a member of the JVibe Teen Advisory Board.