BUFFALO, N.Y. — The 2023 Pay It Forward Awards theme was Passing the torch to future generations. It part of the Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative.
Oswaldo Mestre, chair of the Pay It Forward Awards, said "people who care about young people, that help deliver and do philanthropy in the community," are helping to recognize young folk and it is a beautiful thing about how they give to other organizations in the community."
Sinclair Maclin, a student at City Honors School, received the Judge Hugh Scott Inspiring Youth Community Service award.
"I feel like some people around my age are very privileged and they don't realize it. I feel like giving back will help them to realize how privileged they are and help them to appreciate it better," Maclin said.
She puts care packages together for The Buffalo City Mission and Mona's House.
She said "the community as a whole should all be working together and just helping each other out when in time of need."
"I think giving is contagious. when you give tp young people, when you give to others, it brings something to you and allows you to make sure that you are passing it forward," Mestre said.