Our Story

Generosity Guild began with a backpack full of snacks and a heart full of compassion.

In 9th grade, Elizabeth Yoo, a student at Marshall High School, founded Generosity Guild with a simple but powerful goal: to help people in need and bring communities together through kindness. What started as a small idea blossomed into a movement of young people committed to giving back.

Elizabeth had always been known as the “food giver” among her friends — the one who always had extra snacks in her backpack and never hesitated to share. Whether it was during class or at lunch, her friends could always count on her to turn the school day into a mini feast. Her generous spirit wasn’t something she turned on and off — it was part of who she was. Naturally, when she thought of a name for her initiative, Generosity Guild felt like the perfect fit: a community built on sharing, supporting, and uplifting.

Her journey of giving back began when she volunteered at Good Spoon, a nonprofit supporting local Latina families in need. There, she witnessed firsthand the realities of poverty — families struggling to afford essentials, children lacking basic school supplies, and parents working tirelessly to make ends meet. But she also experienced something powerful: the joy and fulfillment of knowing someone would go to bed with a full stomach and clean clothes, because someone cared.

That experience lit a fire in her. She realized that even small actions — like donation drives — could make a real difference. With that, the Generosity Guild was born.

At first, it was a humble club at Marshall High School, powered by Elizabeth and her teammates who shared her passion. Together, they organized their first donation drives, collected hygiene kits, food, clothing, and school supplies, and distributed them to families in need through local partners. Over time, as word spread, more students wanted to get involved — not just at Marshall, but from other schools too.

To meet that growing demand, Generosity Guild evolved into a nonprofit organization. Now, schools across the community can start their own chapters, host drives, and collaborate on meaningful projects that directly impact those around them.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been easy. There were obstacles — from logistical challenges to learning how to lead, fundraise, and grow. But those struggles only made the team stronger. Every mistake became a lesson, every setback an opportunity to improve.

Today, Generosity Guild continues to grow, fueled by passionate students who believe that generosity is more than a one-time act — it’s a way of life. What began with one student’s desire to share a little more has become a collective force of change, proving that when young people come together with purpose, they can change lives — including their own.