The Closter Education Association (CEA) launched its inaugural Gather for Good community service initiative on Mach 2. The initiative aims to strengthen the bonds within the school community through collective volunteering opportunities.
The CEA represents teachers, educational support professionals, custodians, maintenance staff and secretaries who work in Closter Public Schools.
For the first event, the CEA partnered with Rise Against Hunger to help combat world hunger. Approximately 200 volunteers worked together to package more than 20,000 meals for distribution at schools in Kenya. The assembled kits contain nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals designed to provide essential sustenance to families facing food insecurity around the world.
To offer additional support the local community, every volunteer brought donations for the Closter Food Pantry in exchange for the opportunity to participate in the event. More than 1,000 items were collected and delivered to the pantry.
During the event, the CEA provided resources to families on bullying prevention, mental health awareness, inclusivity initiatives, promoting positive social interactions, and addressing academic and wellness challenges.
“We were really proud to be able to do something to alleviate global hunger around the world and in our own community,” said Laurie Rochlin, learning disabilities teacher consultant and CEA member. “We want people to know that we can take action together to build a stronger, healthier, and more connected community. We will continue to undertake community service projects together.”
Students at Hillside Elementary School will participate in a follow-up experience by collecting items and assembling birthday kits for the Closter Food Pantry. The kits will include a box of cake mix; a can of soda, which can be used in baking as a substitute for eggs and oil; a container of frosting, sprinkles and candles packed inside a baking tray.
For more information on Rise Against Hunger, visit riseagainsthunger.org.