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Students from Holland and Montgomery Elementary Schools collaborate to make bracelets for worthy causes

May 17, 2013 By
HOLLAND SPRING FAIR

 

by June Portnoy

On April 5th, 11 students from Montgomery Elementary School’s Autistic Support class visited 17 students from Holland Elementary School’s Intensive Learning Support (ILS) classes to work together toward a common purpose.

For the past three years, students from Holland’s ILS program have participated in a Friendship Bracelet Club, creating bracelets, lanyards, key chains and other beautiful jewelry and crafts. Participating in this project benefits students by helping them improve their verbal, math, money exchange, fine motor and social skills.

They sell the merchandise they create all year long, but this year, their big sale takes place during the school’s PTO-sponsored Holland Spring Fair in May. All money generated from sales are donated to the Miracle League of Northampton Township, a baseball/softball league for special needs children.

During their first year they donated $1,050, and last year they donated $2,000.

This year, Holland Elementary kindergarten through sixth graders had help achieving their goal by welcoming third and fourth grade students from Montgomery Elementary School. The day began when students from each school were paired up to get to know each other. Each pair then went up to the front of the room to introduce their new friend.

“This was a great opportunity for these students to practice their language and social skills,” said Theresa Mingacci, Holland’s Intensive Support Teacher for students in kindergarten through second grade.

Students were then divided into 12 groups with students from each school placed into every group. There was lots of chatter and smiles as colorful beads were placed before each group.

“Watching them all interact so nicely was really special because my students are not always successful at socializing with their peers,” said Jessica Klein, Montgomery Elementary Autistic Support teacher.  “It was nice for them to meet students from another school district with similar disabilities.”

Kids from Holland proudly shared some of the bracelets they made throughout the year with their Montgomery Elementary School friends. Holland students helped them learn how to string the beads and create patterns.

“Allowing our students to utilize their leadership skills was invaluable,” said Theresa.

All teachers agreed that the highlight of the day was watching the kids socialize so well together.

“They all wanted to know when they could see each other again,” said Theresa.      

According to Jessica, the money her students raise from sales at Montgomery Elementary will be donated to Autism Speaks.

Be sure to stop by this year’s Holland Spring Fair at Council Rock South on Saturday, May 18th between 11:00am and 3:00pm, and visit the Friendship Bracelet Club’s table. 

“This is our culminating event, offering our students the opportunity to generalize so many of the skills we teach in small groups and in the classroom all year long,” says Theresa.

Holland funds its project through its PTO and from a grant awarded to them by the Council Rock Education Foundation (CREF).

If you would like to donate money to Holland’s project to help fund its supplies visit its Donors Choose project page at http://www.donorschoose.org/project/friendship-beads-and-baseball-dreams/972919/.

PHOTO CAP: Samantha Marchowsky of Holland Elementary School, and Ryan Jacob of Montgomery Elementary School with a friendship bracelet.

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What fleas can teach you!

April 24, 2013 By

submitted by Solomon Brenner, author of “Black Belt Parenting” and Master Instructor for Action Karate

Ever wonder how people train fleas for a flea circus? Probably not, but the flea trainers actually have an important lesson to teach us about reaching our full potential.

You train fleas by putting them in a jar with a lid on top of it. Fleas jump, so initially they will jump and hit the lid of the jar over and over again. Eventually, they will stop hitting the lid.

They adjust the height at which they jump to prevent themselves from hitting the hard surface. You can then take the lid off the jar and the fleas won’t jump out. They have conditioned themselves to jump to a certain height, so they won’t ever jump higher than that.

People are the same way.

When we first start going after our goals or ambitions, life seems limitless. Along the way we hit roadblocks, fall down and drag ourselves back up again. We are susceptible to the negative influence of other people. Eventually we stop trying to jump quite so high.

The realm of possibility seems much smaller.

Creating these mental blocks for yourself (or letting them be created by others) cheats you of your true potential. The second you think, “I can’t,” it becomes true. If you don’t believe you can do something, there’s no way you’re even going to try, let alone succeed.

Instead of saying, “I can’t,” start thinking, “how can I?” You open yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities. By changing the terms of your thinking you might find another way to attain your goal.

Always explore more than one avenue. The mind is like a parachute: it only works if it’s open.

With the right mindset, you can jump out of the jar.

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Walkers and runners to lap around Langhorne to honor longtime resident

March 29, 2013 By

LL RUN by Tara Lynn Johnson

Residents, former students, family and friends will stroll or race around Langhorne Borough’s historic streets to remember Clayton Thomas.

The sixth annual Langhorne Borough 5K and 1-Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, April 20th honors the former teacher, who died in 2006 (he suffered from Pulmonary Fibrosis and received a double lung transplant in 2004, but died from complications). Event proceeds benefit the Clayton Thomas Scholarship, which provides funds for one boy and one girl from Neshaminy High School to attend a community college.

Clayton taught math and coached girls’ gymnastics for 36 years; he led classes at Poquessing Middle School and the high school. He also served as a Langhorne Borough councilman for 16 years, as vice-president from 1996 until his death.

“He was a really good teacher and also a great guy,” said Melissa Dooley, of Yardley, who ran the 5K for the first time two years ago.

She grew up in Middletown Township and graduated from Neshaminy in 1999. Clayton was her teacher, and, after she graduated, she’d see the Thomas family at restaurants she worked in. She ran the race to honor her teacher and friend.

This year, she is serving on the event committee, too.

Clayton’s daughter, Kari, has been the committee chairperson for the past two years (other members of the Langhorne Borough Business Association, which founded the event, chaired it before she did). She’s touched that so many people participate and she likes that the money raised supports education, which was important to her dad.

“It’s a good way to use the proceeds,” she said. “And, if they go to Bucks [County Community College], it goes into community, too.”

Kari grew up, still lives and runs a travel agency in the Borough. Her whole family has loved being in Langhorne throughout their lives.

“It’s a great community, a tiny village in the middle of all the suburban sprawl,” she said. “There’s a sense of community. People come together and support each other.”

She loves meeting people who knew her dad at the event each year.

“It’s nice to realize teachers have such an effect on the people they teach,” Kari said. “It’s nice to see that he reached so many people.”

And he did so out of the classroom, too. One of Clayton’s longtime friends, Kathleen Horwatt, has participated in the event each year with her husband, Paul. Like Clayton, both worked in education – Kathleen is a former educator, assistant principal and middle school counseling psychologist, and Paul is a retired physical education teacher.

Kathleen first met Clayton when he was coaching gymnastics for Neshaminy while her father and her future husband coached the team at Woodrow Wilson High School. Later, after she was elected president of Langhorne Borough Council, she asked Clayton to fill a vacancy.

“I wanted to build a strong culture of volunteerism and congeniality in our community and Clayton Thomas was the first person I turned to,” said Kathleen, who has lived in Langhorne since 1976.

She hopes people will enjoy a spring day in her beloved town to honor her friend.

“This event seems to occur on the most beautiful weekend when all of the flowering trees and bulbs are at their most glorious,” she said. “It’s a wonderful time to celebrate life, and remember Clayton’s life.”

The course passes historic homes on straight, flat stretches, beginning at Maple and Bellevue avenues and ending after two loops (one big, one small) at the Jesse Soby American Legion Post on Richardson Avenue.

The walk on April 20th starts at 8:00am, the run, at 8:30. Pre-registration is preferred, but day of event participants are welcome. Registration opens at 7:00am at the Richardson House, 102 W. Maple Avenue. Everyone who pre-registers will receive an official T-shirt. The fee for the walk is $15 by April 10th, $20 after; the fee for the run is $20 by April 10th, $25 after.

Awards will be given to the top male and female runners in six age categories, from age 18 to age 60 and older.

The event will be held rain or shine. For information visit www.lbba.info or call Kari at 215-741-5150.

PHOTO CAP: Clayton Thomas

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Two local teens volunteer to help save the lives of animals and people

March 8, 2013 By
DO VOLUNTEERS

 

by June Portnoy

Karen Barry from Chalfont nominated Maria Kravets and Vicky Uritsky, both Central Bucks High School South seniors, as Times Publishing Newspapers’ Volunteers of the Month.

Karen actively volunteers for Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue of Warrington and for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Bucks County.

According to Karen, “Maria and Vicky’s sense of purpose as advocates for saving lives of people and pets is inspiring for all who work directly with them and for those whose lives they have touched.”

Maria first contacted Karen in 2011. She was looking for a Junior Volunteer position that she could put on her college application, but didn’t want to choose just any non-profit organization.

“I’ve always loved animals, especially dogs, and I wanted to do something I felt passionate about,” says Maria. “I liked the idea of helping Labs try to find good homes.”

Brookline’s goal is to rescue Labs and Lab mixes in danger of being euthanized and placing them with foster families until they can find them a forever home. This organization also helps families who can no longer care for their Labs find a new home.

Brookline has no shelter or headquarters. Instead, it relies on a network of volunteers and foster families all helping improve the lives of Labs. Volunteers, like Maria and Vicky, are very much needed to spread awareness about this organization.

“Being computer savvy, artistic and witty, Marie designs flyers with Lab photos and a message that promotes rescue as the best alternative for your next pup,” says Karen. “Maria’s creative designs attracts foster homes and adopters for our dogs.”

“I enjoy creating promotional tools for Brookline,” says Maria. “Karen gives me an idea of what she’s looking for, and I create flyers to increase interest in this organization.”

“At Brookline, we put ourselves in places where people don’t expect to find us, like movie theaters, farmers’ markets and ballparks,” says Karen. “There are always new locations to draw interest in what we do.”

Maria’s first community outreach event was at an annual Fall Scarecrow Competition at Peddler’s Village. She joined Brookliners to set up their entry, “Lab O’Lantern,” an image of a Lab in costume.

It wasn’t long before Vicky, Maria’s best friend since childhood, decided to become a Junior Volunteer for this worthy cause.

“Maria was so enthusiastic about volunteering for Brookline that I started to come with her to some of the events,” says Vicky. “After helping Maria, I realized that I too wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of these dogs.”

The first event at which they volunteered together was Denim Day held at Central Bucks High School South last January. Maria and Vicky worked together making and hanging posters around their school to promote this event.

They collected denim to help a dog advocacy group make denim collars and leashes for dogs. They ultimately collected a significant amount of denim, making the event a huge success.

“Maria and Vicky bring added skills to Brookline, keeping us up-to-date with the latest trends, such as social media,” says Karen. “They are both so giving of their time, always asking what they can do to help.”

Last summer, they volunteered to help Karen with the Doylestown Relay for Life, held at Central Bucks High School West. Relay for Life is a 24-hour community fundraiser that promotes a cancer-free world, remembers deceased cancer patients and celebrates survivorship.

Maria and Vicky volunteered seven hours plus to set up, work the registration table, assist with the Survivor’s Luncheon and clean up/break down the relay stations.

“I receive a lot of joy helping others,” says Maria. “I want to do my best when I volunteer because I know that people and animals are depending on me to follow through on my commitment.”

“Helping these worthy causes has been a labor of love for me,” says Vicky.

Says Karen, “What makes Maria and Vicky such unique volunteers is their genuine commitment and passion to make a difference.”

Learn more about Brookline by visiting www.brooklinelabrescue.org. For Relay for Life locations, contact laura.e.hilbert@cancer.org.

PHOTO CAP: Maria Kravets (left) and Vicky Uritsky (right) with Casey.

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The Kelly’s 72-year marriage is more than ‘The luck of the Irish’

March 1, 2013 By
ARBORS

 

February and March hold special meaning for Jim and Anne Kelly, a long-married couple at The Arbors at Buck Run in Feasterville.

Valentine’s Day spotlighted their loving marriage, which began in 1941 and produced the 11 children they raised in Holland, PA and Avalon, NJ. It’s the season for Lent and Easter, a spiritual time for a couple deeply connected to their Roman Catholic faith.

And every March 17th brings St. Paddy’s Day, when the surname Kelly is a cause for celebration.

The Kelly’s attribute their successful marriage to mutual respect, cooperation in raising their wonderful children and a shared passion for the seashore, which they enjoyed in South Jersey and later in Florida. But the spiritual piece is key to Jim Kelly. “By being faithful to our Church, it seems God has helped us. I guess you’d call it ‘the state of grace,’” he reflected, with a grateful smile.

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Marian Colello inspires others to further their education

February 22, 2013 By

Marian Colello by June Portnoy

This month, Times Publishing Newspapers has recognized Marian Colello from Chalfont as our Hometown Hero.

A colleague of Marian’s from Churchville describes her as “a true mentor to so many students in her P.A.S.S. program at Bucks County Community College (BCCC) in Newtown.”

The P.A.S.S (Perkins Academic Support Services) Program is funded through the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Grant. It provides services to students enrolled in an occupational major or certification program, meaning these students are expected to enter the workplace immediately after completing their degrees or certifications.

The program supports challenges faced by students who may be economically disadvantaged; need extra academic support due to physical, emotional or developmental difficulties; be a displaced homemaker; be a single parent; be enrolled in a non-traditional major; or speaking English as a second language.

Marian’s colleague adds, “As program coordinator of this program, Marian serves as a role model to so many students. She encourages them to overcome personal challenges and finish college by sharing her personal experience of struggling to earn her own college degrees.”

Marian decided to attend college when she was 46-years-old. She was divorced with three older children and wanted to become self-sufficient so she could support herself.

“I knew going back to school later in life would be a challenge, but I was not about to let that stop me,” says Marian.

And so beginning in 1996, Marian enrolled in BCCC, ultimately graduating with her associate’s degree in social services. She then continued her schooling, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Temple University. She accomplished all this while working full-time hours.

Not long after receiving her master’s degree in 2001, Marian interviewed for and received her current position at BCCC.

“Marian’s story impacted my life,” says Angela Anderson from Langhorne, who is currently enrolled in the P.A.S.S. program. “Her story proves to me that it is possible to get my life together as well.”

Marian’s story hit close to home to Angela, who enrolled at BCCC at the age of 40 as a single mother going through a separation.

“I was terrified of going back to school, but Marian has been my coach and my cheerleader,” adds Angela. “Whenever, I’ve been about to give up, she’s reassured me that I can do anything I put my mind to. Because of Marian, I have stuck with this program and plan to complete it.”

Marian also encouraged her colleague from Churchville to return to school for her master’s degree.

“I had two young children at the time, and would never have done it without her support,” says her colleague. “Marian knows how to motivate people to reach their full potential.”

A big part of Marian’s job is writing a federal grant for the P.A.S.S. program. Over the past 12 years, she has brought in $2 million in grant money to improve this program.

Although Marian is not a counselor, she runs workshops on campus, helping students in her program learn to become organized and better prioritize the many aspects of their lives.

“It’s often not the academics that are too challenging for students, but all their daily life challenges that prevent them from completing their degrees,” explains Marian. “I tell them that if they work hard and have the basic skills, they will succeed.

“I also help students look outside the box by considering non-traditional jobs.”

Marian recently had to endure the death of her parents within four weeks of each other, while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and yet throughout it all, she remained positive and optimistic.

“I take a glass half full outlook in my personal and professional life, and it works for me,” says Marian.

Over the years, Marian has discovered she has a passion for teaching. She teaches part-time at BCCC in Newtown and at Strayer University in Bensalem, and especially enjoys teaching sociology.

“It is so rewarding teaching my students to see the world a little differently or from a different perspective,” says Marian.

“Marian is so dedicated to helping people make good choices in their lives,” says Angela.

Says Marian, “I believe that we all have obstacles in life, but if you have an opportunity to better yourself, open the door and take that chance.”

PHOTO CAP: Marian Colello

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Village Improvement Association Donates Gift Cards to the Horsham Air Guard Base

February 12, 2013 By

viahorshamabdonation The Village Improvement Association (V.I.A.) of Doylestown donated $1,200 in gift cards to the Family Readiness Group/Key Volunteers of the 111th PA Fighter Wing Air National Guard located at the Horsham Air Guard Base in Horsham, PA.

The Village Improvement Association was the guiding force behind the founding of Doylestown Hospital, and still owns and oversees the operation of the hospital and associated health systems today. Each year the club’s Veterans Committee collects donations for military charities. This year’s donations included $25 Wawa and $50 Giant gift cards for the Family Readiness Group to distribute to military members stationed at the base, plus an additional $350 to support the base’s food pantry.

The gift cards were presented to the Family Readiness Group’s representatives, Sarah Blank and retired CMSgt Jennie Pappas, at the V.I.A.’s January general meeting.

Pictured, L-R: Edi Eisenbraun, V.I.A.; Sarah Blank and Jenny Pappas, Family Readiness Group, and Pat Skowyra, V.I.A.

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Habitat Bucks Partners with Travis Manion Foundation on “The House that Valor Built”

January 28, 2013 By

 

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County is pleased to announce that the Travis Manion Foundation has donated $5,000 towards “The House that Valor Built,” and will be partnering with Habitat Bucks to advocate for this campaign.  The Valor House will be one of the townhomes in the second phase of our Penn Villa project scheduled to begin in late Summer of 2013. There will be a total of 10 town homes in this development, located in Sellersville, PA.  Each cluster will consist of two four-bedroom units and three three-bedroom units.  Cluster One is currently under construction and will be completed by Fall 2013.

Habitat’s motto “A Hand up Not a Handout” and the Travis Manion Foundation’s motto to “Honor the Fallen by Challenging the Living” strategically align with this campaign.  The veteran who will be living in “The House that Valor Built” has been identified as Jeff Garber, a former Marine, Purple Heart recipient, veteran of two tours in Iraq who is currently working the telecommunications field.  Jeff is a life-long resident of Bucks County and will be working alongside our volunteers and sponsors to help build his home.

“We are so pleased to be partnering with the Travis Manion Foundation on the “The House that Valor Built” said Florence Kawoczka, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County.  “Both of our organizations are committed to serving people in the community, and this opportunity to provide affordable housing to a local veteran is both exciting and rewarding” said Kawoczka.

James Brobyn, Executive Director of the Travis Manion Foundation, joined in and said “We are honored to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County on ‘The House that Valor Built.’ Both of our organizations empower people to take the next step in their lives. Directly supporting a local combat wounded Marine, while also providing service based opportunities for the residents of Bucks County, aligns with our mission and also serves as a perfect opportunity to join our efforts for the greater good.”

For more information about “The House that Valor Built,” please visit our website at:  http://habitatbucks.org/news/construction-news/

About Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County

The mission of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County is to build affordable homes, better lives, stronger families, and safer, revitalized communities through partnerships with people and organizations throughout Bucks County.  Founded on Christian principles, we offer the opportunity for all people regardless of religious or cultural background to make safe, simple, affordable housing a matter of conscience and action.

Since our founding in 1990, Habitat Bucks has built 87 affordable homes in Bucks County.  Habitat relies on the generosity and commitment of our neighbors and partner families to provide these resources.

For more information about Habitat Bucks, please call 215.822.2812 or visit www.habitatbucks.org.

About Travis Manion Foundation

The Foundation’s Mission is to assist our nation’s veterans and the families of Fallen Heroes. We will continue the service to community and country exemplified by these Fallen Heroes and veterans. In the spirit of the Fallen, we will foster strength of mind and body to create a generation of future leaders.

Headquartered in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, the Travis Manion Foundation has built a national reputation for using innovative programs that transform communities through service and how we honor those who serve.

Our team is comprised Gold Star family members, military veterans – many with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan – and spouses and family members of service members. The passion and dedication of our staff is evident in the impact we have empowering survivors, veterans, and citizens to take positive action and never forget the sacrifice of those who gave their all for our today.

We characterize our programs and impact as the “If Not Me, Then Who… “ movement. The movement serves as a catalyst for activating service based on the example provided us by our Fallen Heroes.

For more information on the Travis Manion Foundation, please visit www.travismanion.org

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Regional remodeling association builds for the community

December 29, 2012 By

On Saturday, October 27th over a dozen members from the Bucks-Mont chapter of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) joined together to make a significant difference for a family badly in need of assistance.

This diverse group of dedicated contractors and suppliers replaced 1100 square feet of roofing and replaced the guttering at a home in Quakertown.

This was just not an ordinary home. The home belonged to a couple which has experienced a great deal of personal challenges.

The homeowner was recently injured in a weather-related car accident. The accident left him with a significant head trauma and a multitude of permanent disabilities. His wife is now only able to work part-time as she is now dedicated to caring for his daily health. The fate of life has left them with a big loss of income and of course a decrepit roof they couldn’t afford to repair on their own.

The roofing and guttering could not have come at a better time. The roof was in such poor shape that it is almost certain that it would have not been able to withstand the force of Hurricane Sandy, which came two days after the roof was replaced by the volunteer members of Bucks-Mont NARI.

The chapter did this work for absolutely no cost at all.

The job incurred over $4,000 of materials. These were all donated by other Bucks-Mont NARI chapter members.

The commitment to the community has been the cornerstone of The Bucks-Mont NARI chapter. In their 20-year history, the chapter has sent chapter members to New Orleans and Bay St. Louis after natural disasters decimated properties in those regions. The chapter was recognized nationally for volunteer remodeling work done for a wounded Vietnam Veteran.

Most recently the chapter remodeled the front facade of the Children’s Museum in New Hope and they also built an entire house for Habitat for Humanity two months ago. Ken Odell leads the chapter’s Community Service Committee.

He has stated, “We are a fixture in the Bucks and Montgomery County communities. We have the experience and skills to help families that are experiencing tragic home needs.”

The chapter has set an initiative to identify four projects a year to accomplish. Like the family in Quakertown, each project will certainly attract dozen’s volunteers willing to dedicate their time and materials.

If you know a family or individual who is facing difficult financial or health challenges and they needs essential remodeling work done, contact the local NARI office at 610-787-0896 or visit www.bucksmontnari.org.

Bucks-Mont NARI was established in 1992. It encompasses over 150 member companies in the geographic regions of Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The association includes contractors, remodelers and suppliers who are dedicated to informing the public of the need for, and the advantages of, maintaining homes and buildings in good condition, and thereby improving the housing and building inventory of the community.

To date, Bucks-Mont NARI is the largest chapter in Pennsylvania, third largest in the Northeast region of the US and 14th largest in the country.

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Students at Jamison Elementary are making a difference

December 21, 2012 By
JAMISON EL

 

by June Portnoy

Ms. Claudia Young’s fifth grade class at Jamison Elementary School has proven that children can make a positive impact on the world around them. Ms. Young became passionate about giving back to others this past May while sitting by her father in hospice before he passed away.

“I noticed how many people were there alone without family or friends, or even cards to brighten up their final days,” said Ms. Young. “It was at that point that I realized I wanted to make a difference to help people feel cared about.”

With this in mind, Ms. Young approached school principal, Matthew Croyle, in August to suggest starting a recess program.  The idea was that kids in her class who chose to participate would stay in for recess to do good deeds for others. 

Principal Croyle was very supportive of Ms. Young’s proposal. Since beginning the recess program, Ms. Young’s students have become known as the “Make a Difference Kids.” The gift of giving became contagious, spreading from Ms. Young’s class to others until it became school-wide.

One of the Make a Difference Kids’ first projects was coloring pages for recipients of Meals on Wheels, an organization that delivers meals to elderly, low income, homebound seniors. This project ultimately became a school-wide event, producing over 400 pictures for lonely seniors. During recess, the Make a Difference Kids collected and sorted these pictures.

In October, Gianna Cinque, a Make a Difference Kid, suggested that Ms. Young’s class donate some of their Halloween candy to children incapable of going trick-or-treating this year. They discovered that the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, which houses seriously ill children and their families, would gladly accept this candy. This also became a school-wide event, which resulted in the collection of over 200 pounds of candy.

“I was surprised by how many people in the school wanted to get involved and really cared about helping others,” said Sophia Kane.

According to Ms. Young, the Make a Difference Kids’ biggest accomplishment so far has been their collection of books for the Philadelphia Book Bank. This service promotes literacy by enabling Philadelphia teachers to select up to 350 books a year for their classroom libraries.

The Make a Difference Kids created and distributed flyers throughout the school asking students to donate recycled and new books to the Book Bank. The response was overwhelming.

“When we first talked about a book drive, I thought we’d get about 400 books, but we ended up collecting over 4,800 books,” said Gianna. “I thought it would be impossible to collect that many books, but I now realize that when we all work together for a common cause, anything is possible.”

Many students from Ms. Young’s class stayed in during recess, spending hours sorting through these books and categorizing them by genre and age level.

“I’d rather do something to put a smile on a person’s face than play outside for recess,” said Grace Tecce.

“The least I can do is spend 30 minutes of my recess each day helping others,” said Sajan Detroja. “I feel proud of myself knowing that I can make a difference.”

“By staying in during recess, we are giving to those in need instead of just thinking about ourselves,” said Haley Maurer.

The kids have also helped collect necessary items for a Hurricane Sandy relief fund, assisted with the school’s annual Thanksgiving food drive and decorated paper bags to distribute to area food banks.

Said Principal Croyle, “Make a Difference Kids are driven by a genuine desire to help others and give back. 

“It touches my heart to help those in need,” said Joey Milillo. “With a bit of positive energy, anyone no matter how old or young you are, has the power to make a difference.”

“I can do a lot more than I thought I could to make a difference in this world,” said Emma Kaleck.

“A lot of kids have begun looking up to us as mentors,” said Carly Camut. “I hope we can set a positive example for the rest of the school, so that everyone starts to give back.”

In the upcoming year, Ms. Young is already planning for her Make a Difference Kids to decorate pillow cases for wounded veterans, create and donate fleece blankets to critically ill children and collect and donate pencils to children in third-world countries.

The Make a Difference Kids cannot make a difference without the help of donations and sponsors. If you would like to help these kids help others, contact Ms. Claudia Young at clyoung@cbsd.org.

 

PHOTO CAP: Make a Difference Kids with donated Halloween candy, from left, Haley Maurer, Gianna Cinque, Sophia Kane, Joey Milillo, Emma Kaleck, Grace Tecce, Sajan Detroja and Carly Camut.  Sitting behind them is Jamison Elementary School fifth grade teacher, Claudia Young, who established the recess program.

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