Age: 12
Hometown: Copake
School: Taconic Hills Central School
Community Involvement: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Roe Jan Food Pantry, Copake Park Commission
With a roster of philanthropic efforts longer than most, 12-year-old Landon Poucher is dedicated to making a difference in his community.
His story began in the NICU as a preemie, while his mom, dad, and sister stayed at the nearby Ronald McDonald House. As he got older and paid visits with his family to the organization that helped them so much, Landon became determined to give back to the cause. To do this, he collects tabs and donates them to the Ronald McDonald House, so the organization can recycle them and use the funds to further its mission.
The 6th grader is also involved with the local Roe Jan Food Pantry, assisting with packing food boxes for families in need around the holiday season. In addition, he helps the Copake Park Commission stuff Easter eggs (more than 5,000 a year!) for its annual egg hunt, participates in its annual Trunk or Treat event, and dresses up as an elf to hand out gifts at Christmastime.
“I like giving back to the Ronald McDonald House because they helped my family,” Landon says. “I also like helping at events in our community because it helps people that we know, and it feels good to help people in need.”
This feature is part of a series in which we feature 12 young people from Saratoga Springs and
the Capital Region who are making their communities a better place. Know a kid who fits the bill?
Send their story to editorial@saratogaliving.comfor a chance to be featured in a future issue!
