Students From South Bergen Jointure Commission
Get An A+ As Volunteers
On Friday, April 21, 2006 eleven students delivered and served the entire meal at the Walk-In Dinner Program, as part of an ongoing partnership between the IRF and the South Bergen Jointure Commission. The roast beef feast was prepared by students, staff and parents from the Commission, a program for middle and high school students with special needs from all over Bergen County. The meal for over 100 hungry homeless and needy people represented the school’s participation in National and Global Youth Service Day. On this day, students around the world volunteer in various capacities in their communities.
This past November, the school’s Outreach Coordinator, Chris Hughes, wanting to introduce his students to the world of volunteering, contacted the IRF. Since cooking is already a part of the student’s Life Skills Curriculum it was decided that the students would begin by making desserts for the guests at the Walk-In Dinner Program. Chris applied for and received State Farm Good Neighbor Service Grant to get the project off the ground. Armed with $1,000 the students purchased a commercial mixer, utensils, mixing bowls and basic ingredients.
Every month since then, 10 to 15 students have delivered the creations their class made to the Orchard Street facility. Accompanied by Chris and Marlene Azzolino, Transition Counselor, the group brings a variety of breads, cakes and candies all made by the students at the school. Each time, the group brainstorms about other ways they can provide service to the homeless.
In attendance for Youth Service Day was a representative from Senator Frank Lautenberg’s office who applauded the students for their dedication, while Senator Paul Farlo and Congressman Steve Rothman sent letters recognizing the significant contribution the youth were making in their community. Local officials including Mayor Marlin Townes, Deputy Mayor Karen Sasso and City Manager Stephen Lo Iacono, all of Hackensack attended at the invitation of the students.
It appears that the students from the South Bergen Jointure Commission have taken the lesson of community involvement to heart. Thank you and kudos to all those involved!
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