Must! Charities Youth Board raises $9,340 for local programs
High school students volunteer with more than a dozen nonprofits
– The Must! Charities Youth Board, made up of 31 high school students from across San Luis Obispo County, raised more than $9,340 last school year for local youth programs.
The board, composed of students in grades 10 through 12, works with community nonprofits through hands-on service and collaboration. Members volunteer at more than a dozen local nonprofits each year to gain firsthand insight into community needs and opportunities. The program is sponsored by JB Dewar.
“At JB Dewar, giving back isn’t just a value, it’s part of who we are,” said JB Dewar Vice President Morgan Voss. “Supporting this incredible group of students on the Must! Charities Youth Board allows us to invest in the future of the Central Coast through the next generation of community leaders. Programs like this create a ripple effect, building stronger leaders, smarter givers, and a more resilient community. It’s an honor to support that kind of lasting impact.”
Last year, students worked with Lumina Alliance, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club, Paso Robles Youth Arts, Camino Scholars at People’s Self-Help Housing, El Camino Homeless Organization, One Cool Earth, City Farm SLO, Habitat for Humanity, Coats for Kids and Transitions-Mental Health Association’s Growing Grounds.
After months of involvement and review, the Youth Board selected three organizations to support through its annual Peer to Peer fundraising campaign: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Paso Robles Youth Arts and the Boys and Girls Club. The campaign included a $2,500 matching donation from JB Dewar.
The funds will expand mentoring, arts education and after-school programs for local youth.
“The Youth Board is about more than just volunteering, it’s about inspiring young people to be thoughtful, strategic givers and community leaders,” said Megan Leishman, manager of the Must! Charities Youth Board. “Their impact is tangible, and their passion is contagious.”
Applications are open for this year’s Youth Board. For more information or to apply, visit www.mustcharities.org.
