Shady Side Academy sophomore Sonia Kshirsagar founded the Breckenridge Youth Service Committee (BYSC) in her Wexford neighborhood in 2019 and serves as its chair. The BYSC held its Third Annual Multi-Charity Block Party on Aug. 20, 2022, benefiting three local nonprofit organizations: the Free Store Wilkinsburg, the Homeless Children's Education Fund, and the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
A total of 12 young volunteers ran the event, including seven Shady Side students in addition to Sonia: Senior School sophomores Jasper Chapman, Sai Chaudry, Audrey Jiang, Abrianna Privitera and Jordan Roupe, and SSA Middle School students Roshan Kshirsagar and Allison Shi. Former Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett was also in attendance. The event featured the Pittsburgh DJ Company, gift card drawings, fun activities, temporary tattoos, and a Kona Ice Truck.
In the two-hour event, a total of $2,775 in monetary donations were received: $1,515 for the Homeless Children's Education Fund, $955 for the Women’s Center & Shelter, and $305 plus a truckload of material donations for the Free Store Wilkinsburg.
Way to go, Sonia and BYSC volunteers!
