Seventeen-year-olds Sydney Scelfo and Ava Halls turned a single volunteer shift at a school pantry into a movement. Witnessing families' struggle with food insecurity inspired them to raise $25,000 to open a new school pantry at Clairemont Canyons Academy. They launched the Kids Feeding Kids Club at Francis Parker High School, engaging more than 120 students in volunteering and awareness efforts. Through creativity, teamwork, and determination, Sydney and Ava show how young leaders can make a lasting impact in their community.
Names: Sydney Scelfo & Ava Halls
Ages: 17
School: Francis Parker School
City/State: San Diego, CA
Donation Page: Sydney and Ava School Pantry Fund Drive
Instagram Account: @sydneyandavasfoodpantry
$25K Raised by Teens?! Hear Sydney & Ava's Top Fundraising Tips
How It Started
For Sydney Scelfo and Ava Halls, it all began on a Saturday morning in Oceanside. The two Francis Parker High School students volunteered together at a Feeding San Diego School Pantry, helping distribute fresh produce and pantry staples to families in need.
As they handed out food, they spoke with parents and children who shared how much the pantry meant to them. Some families talked about having to choose between groceries and other essentials, while others simply expressed relief that there would be enough food for dinner that night. Those conversations made an impact on Sydney and Ava. “Seeing how grateful everyone was really opened our eyes,” said Ava. “It made hunger feel real, not just a number or statistic.”
On the drive home, the two friends could not stop talking about what they had seen. By the time they reached San Diego, they had made a decision. They wanted to do something of their own to help.
Finding Their Mission
After researching more about food insecurity, Sydney and Ava learned that more than 100,000 children in San Diego County experience hunger each year, enough to fill more than 1,600 school buses. The statistics hit them hard. They also discovered that dozens of local schools were waiting to join Feeding San Diego’s School Pantry Program, which brings healthy groceries directly to campuses where families already gather. “We could not stop thinking about the schools still waiting,” said Sydney. “Every school on that list represents hundreds of families who need help.” They decided to take action by raising $25,000 to fund a brand-new School Pantry and take one school off the waitlist.
Turning Passion Into Action
The two athletes, who also play on their school’s volleyball team, knew that teamwork would be key to reaching their goal. They launched a community-wide fundraising campaign that combined creativity, persistence, and heart.
They hosted bake sales, partnered with local restaurants for “dine and donate” nights, organized an online auction, and used social media to raise awareness. Their Instagram page became a hub for sharing their mission and encouraging others to get involved.
“Volleyball taught us that everyone has a role to play on a team,” said Ava. “This project felt the same way. Everyone who donated or shared our posts helped move us closer to our goal.”
After months of effort, Sydney and Ava reached their goal in June 2025, raising $25,000 to open a new School Pantry at Clairemont Canyons Academy, a Pre-K through 5th grade school that had been waiting for over a year to join the program.
Celebrating the Win
In October 2025, Sydney and Ava attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new pantry. Standing beside Feeding San Diego staff, school leaders, and families, they saw firsthand what their work had made possible. The pantry now provides fresh produce and pantry staples to students and their families, creating a steady and reliable source of food in the community. “Seeing the families lined up and knowing they would have food on the table made it all worth it,” said Sydney.
The friends did not stop there. Determined to keep the pantry running for another year, they set a new goal to raise an additional $25,000 to ensure the pantry continues to serve the community.
Building a Movement at School
Inspired by their experience, Sydney and Ava wanted to bring more of their peers into the fight against hunger. They launched the Kids Feeding Kids Club at Francis Parker High School, creating a space for students to learn about food insecurity and take action together.
Within weeks, more than 120 students signed up to join. The club hosts volunteer shifts, awareness campaigns, and school events that support Feeding San Diego’s mission.
“We wanted to show other students that they can make a difference too,” said Sydney. “The club is about working together and realizing that change starts with us.”
Impact and Inspiration
Through hard work, creativity, and determination, Sydney and Ava turned one volunteer shift into a movement that continues to grow. Their leadership helped take a school off the waitlist and inspired their peers to get involved in the fight against hunger. “We started this project because we wanted to help one school,” said Ava. “Now we see how much more is possible when people come together.”
From the volleyball court to the volunteer center, Sydney and Ava have proven that teamwork, compassion, and action can change lives.
Hero Lessons
- Act on what moves you: A single experience can spark something big.
- Teamwork wins: Collaboration turns good ideas into great outcomes.
- Start local: Change begins right where you are.
- Keep going: Every goal reached opens the door to new possibilities.
