High School Senior Brings Vital Items to Those Who Need Them

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Lesianne Tupas. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

Lesianne Tupas, a 17-year-old rising senior preparing to apply to college, has been focused on the future for a while now. But it’s not just her own future she’s thinking about. In early 2020, the world changed. Unlike some, Lesianne lives with all of her immediate family—her parents, her grandparents and her younger brother—who moved to the US from the Philippines for the opportunities and a lifestyle they preferred. So, when everyone went into lockdown during the height of COVID, Lesianne had more company than most. 

When the virus wreaked havoc on people’s health and daily lives, Lesianne became determined to ensure her community was cared for the way that she was. As such, she joined Joshua’s Heart Foundation and is now serving as the head of outreach and vice chair of the Youth Advisory Board.  

Lesianne has donation drives benefitting hundreds of families and raised $4,725 to help provide 15,000 meals in Miami-Dade Country for Global Youth Service Day. Her work has earned her the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the past four years, an honor that requires 250 hours of service or more. Joshua’s Heart has also presented her with the Going the Extra Mile Award in 2020 and 2024 for her dedication. Even as she considers her own future, one as a dermatologist, Lesianne thinks of the people whose lives she will improve. 

What inspired you to get started with this initiative? 

I started with Joshua’s Heart in 2020 during COVID. I was kind of isolated. I didn’t see or connect with a lot of people at the time and realized that it was an ongoing issue, not only with me but with other people in the community. There were people not only struggling with isolation but losing job opportunities. There was a lot of hardship in the community, and I wanted to help. So, I joined Joshua’s Heart. Their goal is to help the community and help with food scarcity, supporting families in need.   

They are focused on impacting a community, and when I saw the look on people’s faces when they would get the food or general support they needed, it sparked my dedication. There was a strong sense of community, something that really motivates me. I really enjoy meeting and working with like-minded people focused on the same goal. 

Tell us about your volunteer role with Joshua’s Heart. 

I oversee 50 youth leaders, and I manage all of their projects and volunteer efforts on a weekly basis. I also lead bi-weekly meetings through Microsoft Teams, so regardless of anyone’s location, I can keep track of the organization’s goals and ensure that they’re met. And I meet with the executive director to make sure everyone’s on the same page and our efforts are effective.  

I recently implemented my passion project and collected over 1,100 pieces of clothing for native Filipinos in Bataan. The Philippines struggles with poverty, and I couldn’t help with food, but I wanted to have a direct impact. So, I told my friends and family about wanting to donate clothes and collected as much as possible. 

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization? 

I hope to expand Joshua’s Heart to not only provide food, but help in other ways like raising money for things that people need to support themselves, like skincare. I’m just hoping to bring attention to other types of support that someone in the community might need. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

It’s the people you meet on the way. Doing these service projects really creates that sense of community and helps you build relationships. It’s a great motivator. All the networking and everyone you meet just stays with you as you volunteer. And there’s a peace of mind that comes with helping someone who is struggling. 

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer? 

Not everyone is able to sustain themselves, and it’s important to not only get involved in your community, but also necessary to be able to adapt in order to lead, organize  and effectively communicate. 

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about? 

It not only heightens your awareness of what reality is for a lot of people, but it helps you strengthen your ideals and morals. And it helps you shape your goals. I think the exposure to so many different people and issues is important. It’s important for people to contribute something to help their community.  

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering? 

It’s a great opportunity to get to know like-minded people; it really helps motivate you. I think it’s best to start with something local, so you can not only be more comfortable but also build on something you’re familiar with.  

What do you want people to learn from your story? 

Your reality might not be someone else’s reality, and it’s best if you help people who are not as privileged. I want people to be aware of what life is like for a lot of people, and find the best way to contribute. Help in any way that you can, even if it’s in a small way with one or two families. It makes a big difference. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Lesianne? Find local volunteer opportunities.