Just in time for Halloween, approximately 20 members of Jefferson Elementary School’s Early Act Club in Westfield collected and donated more than 70 new and gently used Halloween costumes to children who are currently living in homeless shelters. The event was sponsored by NJCARES, a non-profit organization who distributed the costumes to children living in shelters to help them celebrate the holiday.
The Early Act Club of Jefferson School is a school wide service learning club for fifth grade students.
It is sponsored by the Westfield Rotary Club and it mimics the ideals of the organization, “service above self.” Some of the annual character building projects include: Wednesday Lunches, Halloween Costume Collection, The Giving Tree, “Souper Bowl” food drive, and Jefferson’s School Store. “It provides young students the opportunity for gaining an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world,” states Jefferson teacher and adviser Joanne Ryan. “At a young age, all students can easily be encouraged to be caring and helpful. Their minds are open to recognize the dignity and worth of each individual which builds respect for others.”
(above l-r) Wearing or holding some of the costumes are Jefferson fifth graders Mahika Dang, Gabby Pardo, Alyssa Hourie, Qunlan Doherty,and Joseph Simone, (seated, l-r) Ben Duan and Harrison Earnst.
