Kidz Feeding Kidz: Thanksgiving Partners for the Good of Youth and Families

By Socorro M. Manzanilla, BA, MPH – Salesian Cooperator –

(Rosemead, California) – The passion and vision of Nolan and Nicholas Adalin, co-founders and leaders of Kidz Feeding Kidz (KFK), are more evident than ever this Thanksgiving. Both are students: Nicholas is a sophomore at Don Bosco Technical Institute, and Nolan, a Bosco Tech graduate, is now a freshman at USC. The young men’s benevolent actions, which started six years ago, continue to captivate and engage the charitable spirit of those they reach out to. The KFK dream of helping those less fortunate is strongly supported by the young men’s families, Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, St. Joseph Retreat Center Salesian Cooperators, Sunday mass communities, and several East Los Angeles agencies.

St Joseph Salesian Cooperators with Nolan Aldin, on left, and Nicolas Aldi, on right, holding poster.

With unwavering consent given by Fr. Thein Nguyen, Salesian Community Director in Rosemead, KFK was welcomed and granted support again. Last year, Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB Provincial, challenged the team to double their impact, and we exceeded the target from fifteen to thirty-three needy families. This year, KFK, together with the Salesian Cooperators at St. Joseph’s Retreat Center, again garnered donations and received from parishioners at Sunday masses an amazing total contribution of $2,080! Thank you to all who contributed.

Nicholas Aldin (center) and Nolan Aldin (right) with Tech student volunteer behind a happy mom.

Families were selected by local youth center staff who work directly with the children and families and know their needs. All proceeds go directly to supplying items (turkeys, canned goods, pies, bread, etc.) for Thanksgiving meals. The food distribution was held at the East Los Angeles Community Youth Center on November 19 and provided meals for forty-four families! The event was attended by the helping hands of Bosco Tech students, parents, St. Joseph Cooperators, and numerous community partners. “God blessed us by sending generous people our way to grow KFK every year to serve even more people in our East LA community,” stated the Adalin brothers’ parents.

KFK is a concerted example that reflects St. John Bosco’s mission of helping our youth and the poor. St. Joseph’s Salesian Cooperators extend heartfelt gratitude to Nolan, Nicholas, and all those who contributed to putting smiles on families in need. We wish everyone many blessings and a Happy Thanksgiving!