Young volunteers make a big impact at Bread & Broth Monday Meal

by | Jun 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The STHS Junior Optimist Club raised the $350 Adopt A Day of Nourishment fee to sponsor Bread & Broth’s Monday Meal on June 1, demonstrating its commitment to service and community support. Mentored by the South Lake Tahoe Optimist Club, whose members focus on helping youth and youth organizations, the Junior Optimist Club also participates in local service projects such as the Optimist Christmas Tree Lot, Duck Races, and Fishing Derby.

The June 1 sponsorship marked the Junior Optimist Club’s first time hosting a Monday Meal, and members described it as a meaningful opportunity to volunteer. “This was an amazing opportunity to give back to the community,” said Skye Nichols-Shipley, president of the Junior Optimist Club. Also representing the club at the dinner were Sydney Birkholm, Kaya Ferry, Avery Grisom, Ruby Hackett, Kailani Higgins, Tegan Klem, Skye Nichols, Diego Palacios, Charlotte Potts, and Lupita Rehn, along with Larry Lambdin, South Lake Tahoe Optimist Club liaison, and club moderator Caren LeVine.

Bread & Broth volunteers praised the Junior Optimist participants as hardworking, poised, mature, and a joy to work with. The students supported a busy dinner service for 149 community members, who enjoyed roasted pork tenderloin with apricot sauce, rice pilaf, sautéed broccoli and red peppers, and green salad.

Bottom Row- L to R Sydney Birkholm, Tegan Klem, Caren LeVine (Advisor), Skye Nichols, Lupita Rehn Top Row- L to R Kaya Ferry, Keller Fox, Charlotte Potts, Ruby Hackett, Diego Palacios, Avery Griscom, Kailani Higgins, and Larry Lambdin (Optimist member)
Provided / Bread & Broth

Several Junior Optimist Club members shared reflections on their volunteer experience at Bread & Broth’s community meal. Ruby said she was grateful to experience the kindness and love that surrounds the community, while Sydney described the evening as an amazing experience. Diego said he appreciated the opportunity to give back to South Lake Tahoe and to see the many smiles shared during the meal. Charlotte said she enjoyed being able to give back to those in need, and Tegan noted that the evening was eye-opening and meaningful. Kailani added that she was inspired by the kindness and gratitude shown by the guests and hopes the club will make the experience a tradition.

Volunteerism can be an eye-opening experience that brings people together and creates lasting positive impact. The Junior Optimist Club’s commitment to serving others, especially young people in the community, is to be commended. Bread & Broth is honored to have been selected by the Junior Optimist Club as part of its service to the South Lake Tahoe community.

To learn more about Bread & Broth, or to donate or sponsor an Adopt A Day of Nourishment, visit the organization’s website, www.breadandbroth.org, or follow Bread & Broth on Instagram or Facebook.