How a high schooler led a Bronx route.

Coordinators don't have to be adults — our newest Bronx lead is 17, and her route is one of the smoothest we run.

She started in food prep last winter. By spring she was on distribution. By summer she had shadowed two coordinators. In September she ran her first full Thursday.

What made the difference: she asked the questions we are too tired to ask after a 3-hour shift. Who didn't come this week that usually does? What did people ask for that we didn't have? How can we shave 10 minutes off the load-in?

Apply to volunteer. Bring your eyes. We are listening.