It’s been 3 years since I’ve written for OTP about my community activism services. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Gabriela (Gabby) Thomas. I am fourteen years old, and very proud to say that I am still serving my Brooklyn community.
When you first heard about me, I was working closely with Community Affairs Officer Charles from the 79th Precinct, and that has not stopped. We work side by side to make the community a better place and help those in need by doing back-to-school giveaways, food drives and toy drives. Through all my work volunteering my time with the precinct and helping plan and get donations for their events, Officer Charles decided to bring me on board with the police council as the first-ever Youth council member.
A Community Affairs Officer’s job is to build bonds and trust with their community all while strengthening the bond between NYPD and the community. Officer Charles and the rest of the members of the 79th precinct show this every day.
I also graduated from John Ericsson Middle School 126 this year as the Valedictorian and I’m very happy to say my mentor was in the audience, Officer Charles.
This year we are planning on doing a bookbag, food, and toy giveaway. Stay on the look to see what we have planned for the amazing people in our community.
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn