The Breezy Point Star: 12-year-old Bay Ridge girl inspires others with community service

Twelve-year-old Bay Ridgeite Arianna Gnerre, a seventh grader at I.S. 229, The Dyker School, has learned to give back in a variety of ways.

What are some of the things you do to give back to the community?

I work the holiday shop at Saint Ephrem’s Church. They have a shop during Christmas time where everyone can bring whatever they want to sell and I help them sell it. I ran the Tunnel to Towers 5K with a family team to raise money for the Stephen Siller Foundation. I monitor during my lunch time to help teachers with the other students and I collect and donate toys and pajamas for the children at the school. I also work with the Bay Ridge Lemonade Coalition to sell lemonade during the Third Avenue Summer Stroll to send to the food pantry. I’ve been doing this for about four years.

How does it feel to be able to give back to your community?

It feels good to help others and if I’m ever in need, I would want them to help me too so it’s a great feeling. You have to treat people the way you want to be treated.

Who has been your inspiration in wanting to give back?

My uncle works and lives in Oregon and he spends his life trying to help others. He works for the local food services, helping bring more meals for those who can’t provide for themselves so I look up to him because that’s a really cool job. He sees what I do and appreciates it.

Do you have any other hobbies?

I like to do dance and gymnastics. I’m just doing classes. I just like it because it’s fun and I get to spend time with my friends.