Peddie to host fifth service day

Students at The Peddie School in Hightstown will participate in Community Service Day on Feb. 9.

By: Scott Morgan
   HIGHTSTOWN — It’s about sensitivity. And it’s about lending a hand.
   For the past four years, students, staff and faculty at the Peddie School have lent that hand on Community Service Day. This Feb. 9, they plan to do it again.
   According to Linda Mannherz of Peddie’s Parents Association, Community Service Day offers a dozen different outreach programs designed both to help those who need it and sensitize the students to the plight of those not quite so fortunate.
   "We try to encourage as many students, staff and parents to get involved as possible," Ms. Mannherz said.
   So far, the formula seems to work. Robin Lafferty, a co-chairwoman of the event, said the day typically draws 200 to 250 students from Peddie who want to help out. Moreover, Ms. Lafferty said she expects to see about 300 people in need of that help coming to Peddie this year.
   And the benefactors are as broad as the event’s aims. Ms. Mannherz said the day features a host of on- and off-campus events, including a Special Olympics swim meet; collections of books, clothes and food; a carnival and a visit to area nursing homes.
   Which leads to participation from the community at large. Ms. Mannherz said that though the physical work on Community Service Day is done by the Peddie community, the supplies, particularly food and clothes, come from the general community.
   As does blood. Part of Community Service Day is a blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross. This comes at a critical time, Ms. Mannherz said, as blood stores are seriously low right now.
   "We would love community help," Ms. Mannherz said. "Food, clothing and blood needed."
   The idea of bringing the community into Peddie, Ms. Lafferty said, makes it easier for the students, many of whom are boarders. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy work getting everything together.
   "It’s very overwhelming," said Ms. Lafferty, a three-year veteran of the event. "But it usually works out great. It’s all worth it in the end."
   
Food and clothes will be collected from 9 a.m. until noon, Sunday, Feb. 9.

   The events runs from noon to 4 p.m.. Anyone interested in donating food or clothes, or anyone who would like further information, may contact Carol Caruso at 259-9603 or Robin Lafferty at 259-1426.

   Anyone interested in donating blood may call ahead for an appointment.

   For information on donating blood, or to make an appointment, contact Gerry Jacobs at 490-7545.