2026 PA Day of Service: Youth Helping Youth

Peck students across all grades came together for our 2026 Day of Service, united by the theme Youth Helping Youth. Older students buddied up with younger classmates to support two meaningful organizations—The P.G. Chambers School and Preschool Advantage—showing the power of service, empathy, and community at every age.

The day began with an All-School Assembly featuring student speakers from P.G. Chambers School, including Leah, who talked about her school’s beloved Crumbs Cart—a student-run cart where P.G. Chambers students take on roles like greeter, cashier, and affirmation giver while selling food and drinks to fund fun activities like field trips. Fellow P.G. Chambers student Andreas also spoke, offering a personal look into his experience. Nancy Bangiola from Preschool Advantage highlighted the importance of early childhood education and the lasting impact of access to preschool learning.

Working with their Reach Across buddies, Peck students assembled 100 soup jars for the Crumbs Cart, completing the final step by pouring pasta using switch-adapted pourers, tools designed for students with limited mobility. Peck also proudly gifted P.G. Chambers School two sets of switch-adapted tools, including pourers and scissors. In addition, students packed 96 backpacks filled with school supplies and heartfelt notes for preschoolers supported by Preschool Advantage.

As part of the experience, students reflected on their work. Many shared how proud they felt to help others, put a smile on someone’s face, and give younger children a chance to learn. When asked why youth helping youth matters, responses ranged from “to build community” and “so everyone has a chance” to “to empower kindness” and “make the world a better place.” The day was a powerful reminder that when young people help one another, the impact reaches far beyond a single day.