By:Alec Moore
Seven Manville teens showed last weekend that their true colors are red, white and blue.
After seeing on television the tragic events at the World Trade Center last Tuesday, Manville High School juniors Alysia Kehres and Amanda Higgins, both of whom have older brothers serving in the military, were compelled to lend their support to the rescue work taking place in the aftermath of the attack.
"Everyone wanted to do something to help, but we didn’t know how," said 16-year-old Alysia, whose brother serves in the United States Air Force.
"We just wanted to help out as best we could," said 15-year-old Amanda, whose brother serves in the United States Marine Corps and is a former Manville firefighter. "This really hit close to home."
During a lunch-time discussion, Alysia and Amanda joked that the red, white and blue ribbon bow made by their friend Angela Bickar, who worked part-time at a local crafts supply store, was so nice they probably could sell it for money. That was the spark that led to the girls raising more than $5,000 for the American Red Cross as their contribution to the rescue and relief work taking place in New York City.
Joined by their friends Jimmy Noble, Danielle Mahilo, Christine Andreyko and Jennifer Rodzinak, Alysia, Amanda and Angela set up a table outside the A&P on Main Street and succeeded in raising more than $2,000 between Saturday and Sunday, asking for a general donation of $1 or $2 in exchange for the red, white and blue bows, crafted of yarn.
"Most people dropped in $5 or $10," said Amanda, who pointed out that some residents were hesitant to contribute for fear that the teens were trying to run a scam. "One lady actually put money into our jar and then took it back out," said Alysia, noting, however, that despite that incident most residents were more than willing to contribute.
"By Sunday none of us could move," Alysia said, pointing out that all seven teens had gotten sunburned after their two days in front of the A&P. "It was really hard work, but we knew it was worth it," she added, commenting that making the more than 3,000 patriotic bows and requesting donations all day, for two days straight, had completely worn the teens out.
The Manville Area Credit Union showed its generosity by matching the total amount raised, which resulted in a certified check in the amount of $5,200 being mailed to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund on Monday morning.

