San Fernando Valley Teen Named 'Youth Activist Of The Year'

CALABASAS, CA — 15-year-old Rachael Rosenberg was recognized as the "Youth Activist of the Year" by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for her organization that brings essential items to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Rosenberg's organization, Bundles of Kindness, creates "bundles" of essential items like hygiene items, blankets, vouchers for snacks and drinks and socks to be distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Rosenberg was recognized at a ceremony on Nov. 14, during which Gabriel awarded 11 other individuals and organizations for their contributions to the San Fernando Valley. Others included firefighters, business owners, educators, activists and more, according to a news release from Gabriel's office.

Gabriel and his representatives have been to multiple of Rosenberg's Bundles of Kindness "bundle" assembly events, including her first "bundle" assembly event in 2019. Rosenberg has since had another assembly event and is collecting donations for another assembly day, which she is hoping to have in the next couple of months.

Related: 14-Year-Old Girl Creating Hundreds Of Homeless Care Packages

Rosenberg said she thinks her young age is what draws attention to her volunteerism. She has long been involved in volunteer efforts, but realized her potential when she first started Bundles of Kindness.

She and her family were really excited to find out she had won the award, Rosenberg said.

"Typically people think they can only do this type of [outreach] when you're older and you have your life together, not when you're in high school," Rosenberg said.

Rosenberg started her organization in her family's home, but quickly outgrew the space. After multiple moves, Bundles of Kindness has landed at Temple Judea in Tarzana, who has donated a storage and assembly space to the organization.

Rosenberg hopes her recognition is a reminder that age is not a barrier to volunteerism.

"Age doesn't matter when it comes to helping others. Always look around to see what you can do to help, even if it's just to smile at someone," Rosenberg said.

Patch readers can help Rosenberg get closer to her next assembly event by donating with her Amazon wish list.