Houston is seeing a wave of nationwide kindness and giving. Teens around Northbrook, IL geared up last week to help those in need in Texas with food drives, fundraisers, and bake sales.

After the recent flooding in Texas, Chabad of Northbrook, Illinois’ local CTeen chapter sprung into action to organize a Houston food and supplies drive.

Volunteers braided challas, which were sold for $18 each, raising an impressive $640 in two hours. By the following day, a total of over $800 had been tallied. Folks stopped by to donate supplies and food as teens sorted and re-packed food, diapers, back-to-school items, and cleaning supplies to be sent to Texas.

“I was so happy to come and help out,” shared Michael, 14. “I felt so helpless watching the events unfold on television. I decided that instead of being a bystander, I would take action.”

Rabbi Meir Moscowitz, regional director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois and director at Chabad of Northbrook, says it’s been inspiring to see how the teens came together in this effort. “These are the moments that truly make a difference in a young person’s life. It says a lot about who they are that they stepped up to the plate to make a difference.”

In total, Northbrook CTeen collected eight boxes of dry foods, cleaning agents, diapers, baby formula, and more. Together with the community’s support, they raised $1,237. This is just the beginning of the incredible impact teens can make.

Northbrook CTeen director Esther Greenspan notes that the Houston disaster has given teens a platform to discover “just how much good they’re capable of doing.”

To learn more about Northbrook CTeen, contact EstherG@ChabadNorthbrook.com.