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Westchester Teen Featured On NBC's 'Today' Show

A mother and son duo doing good work in Westchester was highlighted nationally for their efforts brightening the lives of seniors.

Players from the New Rochelle Varsity football team delivering meals to patients at Montefiore Hospital earlier this year.

Players from the New Rochelle Varsity football team delivering meals to patients at Montefiore Hospital earlier this year.

Photo Credit: Contributed

New Rochelle High School senior Nicholas Pallotta and his mother, Maureen, were featured on the NBC "Today" show recently for their volunteer work with Meals on Wheels in New Rochelle, where they deliver food to seniors in need.

Each year, it is estimated that volunteers with Meals on Wheels deliver 200 million lunches and dinner each year to millions of seniors throughout the country. Nicholas, 17, and his mother, have been volunteering with the organization for years.

“When I’m driving around delivering meals to each homebound person, I’m just thinking about how I can positively impact their day,” he said during the segment. “I think they feel like a weight has been taken off their shoulders. That this burden of loneliness has been taken away and you see their faces light up.”

Earlier this year, Pallotta and his teammates on the New Rochelle High School football team spent a weekend delivering food to patients in need at the Extended Care Center at Montefiore Hospital.

"It's a very cool experience to think that people around the nation are seeing it," Pallotta said. "I hope there's increased attention to Meals on Wheels, not just in New Rochelle."

“I hope Nicholas gains an understanding of the importance of giving back,” his mother said. “Seniors will always be around you, and sometimes they do feel forgotten.”

As part of the "Today" show’s #ShareTheLoveTODAY campaign, the show will donate $1 to Meals on Wheels on behalf of anyone who uses that hashtag on social media.

“It’s important that we as young people continue to volunteer more,” the younger Pallotta added. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is that brightening someone’s day can be a positive not only for them, but for yourself.”

The complete "Today" segment on the Pallottas can be viewed here.

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