SOUTH BRUNSWICK: SBHS students, staff helping Sandy relief efforts

By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
   South Brunswick High School is collecting items and supplies for Hurricane Sandy victims from Nov. 9-16.
   Donations can be dropped off in the main and annex conference rooms and the bins inside the boys and girl’s locker rooms.
   SBHS students and staff are encouraged to donate items as well as South Brunswick community members.
   Each grade is designated to bring in certain items for the collection. 9th grade students are asked to bring in new socks, new underwear in all sizes, and Ziploc bags in all sizes.
   10th grade students can bring in baby formula, Ensure, toiletries and diapers in all sizes.
   11th grade students are asked to bring in first aid supplies including band aids, calamine lotion, chap-stick, baby powder, roller bandages, Neosporin, rubbing alcohol and latex gloves.
   12th grade students can bring in large garbage bags, work gloves and AA, C, and/or D batteries.
   SBHS staff members are asked to bring in adult sweatshirts and under armor, aspirin, coffee, evaporated milk, cold medicine and jars of jelly.
   According to Interim SBHS Principal Peter Varela, donations can still be brought in after Nov. 16.
   Mr. Varela said that the idea for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Collection began when he volunteered to help at one of the Staten Island beaches.
   ”I had the opportunity to go to Staten Island to help volunteer at one of the beaches two weeks ago,” Mr. Varela said.
   After seeing the devastation Sandy presented to Staten Island and other coastal beaches, Mr. Varela mentioned a collection plan to his secretary Maryann Murphy.
   Mrs. Murphy then called several different New Jersey towns that were looking for volunteers to help clean up from the hurricane.
   Mr. Varela said that he then assembled a team of teachers, secretaries, students and parent groups to develop a two-part plan.
   The first part of the plan was coming up with a way for the school community to help collect items and supplies, and the second part of the plan was for the staff to help people suffering from the aftermath of Sandy.
   Mr. Varela said that he teamed up with the South Brunswick Area Volunteers parent group to make a list of supplies needed.
   ”We thought that it was best to develop a list of items that were needed,” Mr. Varela said. “It’s working out well.”
   He said that the list of items that could be donated was emailed home to parents and is also available on the high school website.
   According to Mr. Varela, 40 staff members and their families including himself went down to Union Beach last Sunday to help clean up the beaches and neighborhoods that suffered damage from Sandy.
   ”It was really a rewarding experience,” Mr. Varela said. “What I really appreciate about our staff is that they want to help in any way possible.”
   Mr. Varela said that when he sent out an email asking for staff volunteers he received immediate responses. He also said that South Brunswick was the largest volunteer group present at Union Beach.
   When the staff arrived at Union Beach they helped clean up the neighborhoods and streets. Mr. Varela said that the streets were full of children’s toys, sheets and other household supplies, but after the day of clean up the streets were clear.
   He said that when they arrived the residents were stressed and tired, but seeing volunteers presented a sense of normalcy and relief to their lives during a devastating time.
   Mr. Varela said that he also met several SBHS alumni that reside at Union Beach during the cleanup.
   He said that they were very thankful that their original community was helping them.
   ”There is always a role to play in service and each link it important,” Mr. Varela said. “It was a good feeling walking away knowing we made a difference. I commend our staff.”
   Mr. Varela said that he helped volunteer for cleanup in Highlands on Tuesday as well.
   All supplies donated by SBHS or South Brunswick community members will be donated to shore towns or any towns that really need assistance according to Mr. Varela.
   ”We’re starting to see more and more dropped off each day,” Mr. Varela said.
   In addition, Mr. Varela said that he wants the SBHS students to know that it is important to do the right thing all the time, not just when recognition is possible.
   ”When we present the idea to help others we want the students and staff to jump on it,” Mr. Varela said. “We want people to know making a difference feels good.”
   Mr. Varela said that he appreciates the team effort from the staff and students at SBHS and he believes that the two-part plan was a success.
   He said that he hopes that the job South Brunswick is doing helps victims bounce back.
   ”Our hearts go out to those who were affected by Sandy around New Jersey,” Mr. Varela said.