RED BANK — Spreading cheer is spreading.
This week, four athletes from Red Bank Regional High School donated 200 pairs of pajamas and 350 books for the Sweet Dreams Campaign, which benefits Monmouth County’s 278 kids currently in foster care.
Since September, varsity football players Doug Jackson, Little Silver, and Steve Savaras, Ocean Township, along with cross country team member Steve Waite and soccer player Mary Morgan, both of Little Silver, have been collecting donations through a community mass mailing, the Little Silver newsletter, and from their neighbors.
Last Thursday, the foursome presented Buddy the Foster Care Bear with the goods.
"We’re so proud of what are students have done for the many Monmouth County youngsters who are not as fortunate as they are," said Red Bank Regional High School Principal Arthur Albrezio. "They have demonstrated a true spirit of the holidays, but more importantly, they are strengthening a spirit of charity among their peers at their school and beyond."
This week, students from Red Bank Middle School plan to donate dozens of canned goods to the Lunch Break Soup Kitchen.
According to Nicole Masi, the district’s student assistance coordinator, the students have spent the entire month of December collecting the goods. They will present the soup kitchen with their collection this afternoon.
While many schools have been donating food and gifts, sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders at the Red Bank Charter School have been donating valuable time.
According to Charter School Principal Meredith Pennotti, the students have volunteered at the Red Bank Salvation Army, Holiday XPress, Meridian at Riverview Medical Center, the Navesink House, and the Red Bank Senior Center as part of their in-class service learning project.
"It’s not always easy for these places to find volunteers," Pennotti said.
—Sandi Carpello