Community Corner

Whiz Kid: Joseph Petrella

A 7-year-old boy has a birthday party. Instead of asking his friends to bring presents, he tells them to bring canned goods to help stock a food pantry. Meet this week's Whiz Kid — Joseph Petrella.

Whiz Kid's Name: Joseph Petrella, Age 7
Whiz Kid's Grade: Grade 1
Whiz Kid's School: St. Mary Elementary School
Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Asking friends to bring canned goods instead of birthday presents.

Key to Awesomeness:
Joseph Petrella, a first grade student at St. Mary Schoo,l had his 7th birthday party on Feb. 25 and instead of his guest bringing presents,  he asked them to bring canned goods.  Why did Joseph ask his friends not to bring presents? “Because people need food and I wanted to help," he said. "It makes me feel very good to help others out.”  Collecting food is not new to Joseph — he and his classmates at St. Mary School help support the St. Vincent dePaul Food Pantry throughout the school year.  


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