JACKSON — Fourth-grade pupils at the Holman Elementary School recently used the power of the printed word to make the lives of terminally ill children a little brighter.
In the weeks leading up to the end of the school year, pupils held a used book drive to help raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
On June 9, the pupils and Holman administrators met with Make-a-Wish volunteer Joann Pinkham to present her with a check in the amount of $1,725.
“It amazes us that a small idea could turn into such a huge success,” teacher Stephanie Macaluso said.
With supervision from Macaluso and teacher Carol Shilan, the pupils worked diligently to collect gently used or new books and categorize them in preparation for the book sale.
A short time later, the bulletin board in the main lobby was adorned with Make-a- Wish stars showing the names of pupils and staff members who either purchased a book or made a monetary donation to the foundation.
Principal Richard Karas said that in addition to being a benefit for the Make-a- Wish Foundation, the book drive served as a learning experience for all pupils.
“These fourth grade students learned so many valuable lessons from this project, other grade level students were able to purchase some great books for a good cause and money was raised for childhood cancer research,” Karas said. “I am so proud of what our one little school was able to accomplish.”
Pinkham, who resides in Jackson, told the children their selflessness could have an impact in the community.
“This very well could help someone you know, someone right here in Jackson,” she said. “You never know.”
Last year the New Jersey chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation granted 425 wishes to terminally ill children.
Pinkham said the foundation’s mission is to “help children forget their medical issues and help them be a child again.”
Books that were collected but not sold will be donated to the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf in Trenton.
“We are so proud of our students and of everyone in the Holman community who pulled together,” Macaluso said.