In the heart of Silicon Valley lives a compassionate and determined young girl name Dani Borenstein. At the young age of 14, Dani already understands the profound significance of volunteering and helping her local community. This awareness has led her to embark on a wonderful journey that has made a significant impact on the lives of many
Dani, a freshman with a passion for making a difference, was given a unique assignment in her “LEAD Honors English” class. The assignment was to choose a project that aligned with one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These global goals were created with the vision of fostering peace, prosperity, and sustainability for people and the planet.
Driven by her belief in the importance of eradicating hunger, Dani decided to focus on this critical aspect of the SDGs. She felt a strong connection to her local community and wanted to find a tangible way to contribute to the fight against hunger. Dani’s mother, Avery Kaufman Borenstein, president of the board for Jewish Silicon Valley and a dedicated volunteer with and supporter of Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, knew just the right project for her daughter.
Avery introduced Dani to the Berkowitz Kosher Food Assistance Program, a part of JFS Silicon Valley that operates the only kosher food pantry in Santa Clara County. The bi-monthly food pantry serves 250 clients each time, providing food that meets both kosher and halal requirements for all of JFS clients. Moreover, it offers culturally appropriate foods, connecting clients to their heritage while ensuring nutritional support.
Inspired by the impactful work of JFS Silicon Valley, Dani decided to support the Berkowitz Kosher Food Assistance Program. She created a compelling flyer, explaining the program’s mission and the urgent need for support, and distributed it throughout her neighborhood. The flyer appealed to the community’s generosity, asking for donations to help those struggling with food insecurity.
The response was overwhelming. Dani collected a significant amount of funds and armed with a grocery list provided by JFS Silicon Valley, went on a mission to purchase the necessary items for the food pantry. She carefully selected items that would not only meet the clients’ dietary requirements but also contribute to their overall well-being.
At just 14 years old, Dani is a light of hope for those facing food insecurity in Silicon Valley. Her project not only aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating hunger but also showcased the power of compassion, determination and community involvement in creating a brighter future for all. Thank you, Dani!
To support the Berkowitz Kosher Food Assistance Program, please visit: www.jfssv.org/donation
