First-grader organizes coat collection
By Eileen Oldfield Staff Writer
It was time to go the bus stop one November morning, and Christopher Cusack did not want to button his coat while walking outside with his mother, Lisa.
Responding with a typical question “Why?” when Ms. Cusack explained that some parents can’t afford coats for their children, the Amsterdam Elementary School first grader’s suggestion to donate last year’s favorite coat evolved into a school-wide donation drive that collected 180 coats in under a month.
”I feel better because I collected coats and made people happy,” said Christopher. “I helped people save their (lives).”
According to Ms. Cusack, Christopher worked with Jersey Cares, of Newark, to collect the coats.
The family had worked with Jersey Cares previously, and appealed to both the neighbors around their Valinor Road residence, as well as Amsterdam Elementary School through a flier describing the drive.
The fliers were distributed at the school during the second week in November; the drive lasted until Dec. 8.
”Our family works hard on making our children aware there are others in our communities who do not have basic necessities and are less fortunate,” said Ms. Cusack. “Christopher has participated in projects at school as well as other private/nonprofit organizations.”
After getting approval from School Superintendent Edward Forsthoffer, and Amsterdam Principal Mary Ann Mullady, Christopher started collecting “gently-used” coats of all sizes.
After collecting the coats, the Cusacks brought them to Jersey Cares’ collection site at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillsdale.
After this year’s successful drive, Ms. Cusack said Christopher might attempt a second drive.
”He wants to continue to help people,” said Ms. Cusack. “We also must say that the drive was a success thanks to the support we received from Dr. Forsthoffer’s office and Mrs. Mullady’s office, as well as the families in the Amsterdam community.”