When Brea Baker was just thirteen and a student at J.W. Dodd Middle School in Freeport, she was inspired enough by the community service ideas she had seen on the Oprah Winfrey show to try to start her own organization to help people. Now Miss Baker, a Freeport High School senior and school valedictorian, finds herself making a difference as the CEO of the Head 2 Toe Foundation, a group committed to helping young ladies locally and around the world.
The event held last week at J.W. Dodd Middle School was called Packed to Empower, and the goal was to enlist volunteer groups to help fill one thousand backpacks with donations of first aid kits, school supplies, clothing, writing journals, and other items to help girls who have suffered through disaster and hardship. Some of these backpacks will be distributed in Freeport, while others will be sent to places as far away as Japan, Rwanda, Ukraine, and Australia.
Prior to the packing, there was a brief ceremony that acknowledged Miss Baker's achievements. "I am delighted and honored to be here. Everyone here this morning has been on a journey to make a difference, to make the future of this world a better place," noted Freeport Schools Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham. "I believe in my heart that you have started a global movement," said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Wafa Westervelt.
The school gym was dotted with tables top-heavy with donated items ready to be packed. "We have gathered to say that we will do our best to put a smile on the faces of young ladies around the world, and to let them know that someone is not only thinking about them but praying for them," said Brea Baker in her rallying speech just before the packing began. Among the financial supporters listed were The Women's Fund for Long Island, United Way, and Hofstra University. The volunteers on hand to help pack the bags came from Freeport and other parts of Long Island, including groups representing Syosset, Westbury, and Uniondale.