Back-to-School Book Bag & Supply Drive Organizers Still Need Volunteers
By Jon Whiten • Aug 26th, 2010 • Category: Blog, News
While organizers of a back-to-school book bag and school supply charity drive for Jersey City students have been pleasantly surprised by the community reaction so far, they are still looking for volunteers as they gear up to distribute bags to more than 4,000 children this Saturday.
The drive, which was spearheaded by community activists Rolando Lavarro and Andre Richardson, hosts its final volunteer meeting to discuss final preparations and logistics this evening at 5 pm, at the United Way of Hudson County (857 Bergen Ave.).
Organizers have picked up support from a number of elected officials — Hudson County freeholder Bill O’Dea, councilmen David Donnelly and Steve Fulop — as well as from local corporate sponsors, including Liberty Savings Credit Union, Learn It Systems, Catapult Learning, Spectra Energy, Walgreens, Metrovest, Provident Bank, PNC Bank, ISU First Hudson Insurance and the Hudson County Improvement Authority.
“We want to lead by example for our young people. And we want the people of Jersey City to see and experience how rewarding it is to help out and spend time with the youth of our community,” Lavarro and Richardson say in a joint statement. “It is investment and time well spent.”
In addition to volunteers, Lavarro and Richardson say they are still looking for donations. Checks can still be made payable to United Way of Hudson County, with “2010 JC Back to School Program” on the memo line, and sent to United Way of Hudson County, 587 Bergen Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07306.
The giveaway event is slated for Saturday, August 28, from noon to 2 pm, in three locations: Audubon Park (Kennedy Boulevard & Audubon Avenue, the Hank Gallo Center (inside Lincoln Park at the playground near West Side Avenue), and Hudson County School of Technology (525 Montgomery St.).
Parents interested in receiving the free book bags and supplies for their kids should pre-register by calling O’Dea at 201-209-0972 or emailing him at wored1 (at) yahoo.com.
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Jon Whiten is the founding editor of the Jersey City Independent; he now works for a public-policy nonprofit in Trenton.
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