Danny Mazer, a rising senior at Miami Palmetto High School, has taken the initiative to create a community service organization called Solution Youth.
One of the most significant projects under his organization is known as The Pillow Party, through which they have successfully donated over 10,000 pillows and pillowcases to the Chapman Partnership for the Homeless.
Mazer shares that he drives as far as two hours to pick up shipments from Target, where the pillows are purchased online.
His journey into community service began when he visited a homeless shelter alongside his mother, brother, and a former biology teacher who had experience in the homeless system.
Initially, they concentrated on collecting books and constructing bookshelves for the shelter residents.
This initiative gradually transitioned into collecting pillows, a necessity that Mazer discovered to be vital after speaking with shelter residents.
He notes, “Women get evicted, and they are usually working multiple jobs. All their belongings are on the front lawn, and most of the belongings are gone.”
During their visits, they posed a poignant question to the residents: ‘What is the one thing that is gone that you wish you could get back?’
Mazer recounts that the answer was almost always, “my own pillow.”
This revelation struck a chord with Mazer, who recognized the significance of something as simple as a pillow, often taken for granted.
In that moment, he turned to his brother, mother, and teacher, expressing confidence that they could make a difference: “We can make this happen.”
After brainstorming ideas about what would resonate best with the community, Mazer began promoting their initiative through social media.
He created posts on Instagram and Facebook, sharing his story and the purpose of their collection drive, which helped garner support.
“Explaining how I got there, why I got there and what I was doing,” he recollects, marking a pivotal moment in the Crowdfunding of The Pillow Party.
Mazer proudly recalls the image of his spare room overflowing with pillows after a successful collection effort.
This year, Solution Youth expanded its impact by donating pillows to two shelters: the Chapman Partnership shelters located in downtown Miami and Homestead.
Mazer emphasizes that “every single resident at both shelters went to bed with the pillow they will have from now on.”
An important requirement of the initiative is that pillows and pillowcases must be in brand-new packaging, reflecting the standards of respect and dignity they aim to uphold.
Mazer explains, “We send the link out for the best pillows. They are from Target and Kohl’s.”
Due to limited in-store inventory, these pillows are predominantly shipped directly to the stores, necessitating Mazer’s trips to pick them up.
Beyond his initiatives with Solution Youth, Mazer also holds the position of incoming student council president at Palmetto, where he hopes to enhance school spirit.
His involvement includes being a member of the Jewish Student Union and the National Honor Society, among other leadership roles.
Last year, he served as chair of the Pinecrest Youth Advisory Committee and is looking forward to continuing as a mentor in the upcoming year.
Having begun his journey with YAC as the youngest member in eighth grade, he will transition to the oldest member next year.
Additionally, Mazer holds the title of treasurer for Clean Aqua, an environmental community service organization.
He also excels in athletics as a member of the varsity tennis team at Palmetto, aspiring to take on a leadership role for the upcoming season.
Off-campus, he participates in the Co-Exist Program at Temple Beth Am, where he engages in experiences that explore various cultures.
Earlier this year, Mazer was part of the Teen Social Justice Fellowship and traveled to Guatemala to build an addition to a local school.
He spent three days laying concrete and forming connections with the students who attend the school.
With plans set for next year, the group intends to travel to Colombia.
Furthermore, Mazer participated in the Teen Israel Academy, where he had the opportunity to learn from an esteemed professor who equipped them with information to combat antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
He was among a select group of 15 students from across Miami.
Last summer, he broadened his horizons by taking a business class at the University of Michigan, focusing on Business Tips and Entrepreneurial Identity.
Danny Mazer’s impactful initiatives not only demonstrate his leadership skills but also highlight his dedication to serving the Miami community, making a difference one pillow at a time.
image source from：communitynewspapers
