Pace High School Junior Delivers “Meals From the Heart”

Monica Bustinza's group sends 18 pre-K kids home with a bag of food every weekend

Monica Bustinza is only a junior at Monsignor Edward Pace High School, but in the past six months, she has made more of an impact on needy families than some do in a lifetime.

“I thought it was my calling to take on something myself," she said. “I believe a little goes a long way, and if I’m helping one, then I’m helping many.”

Her organization is called Meals From the Heart. Bustinza has adopted a pre-K class from Holy Family Elementary in Miami, so all 18 kids go home with a bag of food for the weekend.

That ensures that their family will have one complete meal for the weekend – every weekend.

“I feel like there are so many people out there that need help, not just in the global society, but in our community. And when you realize those things, it makes you want to make a difference," Bustinza said.

She has taken donations from fellow classmates, written letters to various grocery stores, and even collected soda tabs to raise a few cents, managing to get by each week.

“It’s been hard to get in touch with businesses and Publix, so I’ve had to collect money on my own," she said.

For Thanksgiving each student received a turkey, and at Christmas a toy.

Her teachers are proud of her work.

“I think it’s given kids the initiative to go out on their own and do things, not needing to tell them what to do,” said counselor Lillian Dubo.

Bustinza said she hopes the organization will grow, even after she’s graduated, eventually helping all of the kids at Holy Family Elementary.

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