Whitney Young Student Uses Reward Of New Wheels To Give Back Again

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A student who was recently rewarded for her contributions to a Chicago food pantry decided to use her reward the best way possible Sunday morning; by giving back even more.

Last week, Whitney Young student Madison Ekern got the surprise of her life, when she received a 2016 Jeep Wrangler, as part of the Making a Difference On AND Off The Field campaign, presented by Buddy's Helpers and the Pepsico Showdown.

She's the captain of the soccer team, and her squad played in a big tournament. There, she qualified for a drawing because of her volunteer work at Common Pantry in the Lakeview neighborhood. She has volunteered there over the last four years, finding the time to spend hundreds of hours at the pantry.

Ekern and some of her classmates used her new wheels to surprise the pantry with donations and a check for $500.

"It felt so awesome that I got something from doing this, and also could give back," she said.

Food, beverages, and shampoo were among the items donated to the pantry, something pantry board members said were at the top of their wish list.

"Bags and bags of food right off of our wish list, going to our clients, and also a check that was made out to us, a donation of $500, will have a significant impact in people's lives," board member David Brown said.

Afterward, Ekern was all smiles again.

"It just felt so great to see them, and I'm excited to see all the people next week, and their reaction to all the new food," she said.