Middle School Student Raises $200 for Panther Pantry

When Brian Kern, an eighth-grader at Garden City Middle School, found out about the Panther Pantry at Adelphi, he knew that it was an initiative he could get behind. Earlier this year, Kern raised $200 for the Panther Pantry, a food pantry that assists Adelphi community members who face food insecurity.

“I was looking for a community service opportunity in my community,” said Kern. “I had never thought about college kids in need before. I bet other people don’t either. This seemed like a place that may really need some extra help.”

To get the word out, Kern made flyers and handed them out to his neighbors and family members. He encouraged people to donate, letting them know that no amount was too small.

He had heard about the pantry from his mother, Kerry Kern ’95. Not only is she an Adelphi alumna, she also works in the Office of Human Resources and introduced her son to Adelphi at a young age. “Adelphi has always been part of my life,” he said. “My grandmother worked at Adelphi for over 25 years and when I was little; we would go and visit her at work and have lunch in the [University Center].”

His mother is nothing less than proud of her son. “He’s a good kid,” she said.

When Della Hudson, associate dean of student affairs, heard about Kern’s dedication to donate, she was impressed by his desire to give back.

“Brian has already learned, as many others have, that giving back makes the world a better place,” said Hudson. “My faith is renewed when I meet young people like Brian who are doing what they can to make a difference.”