Just before the holidays, children in Goryeb Children’s Hospital, in Morristown, NJ, received gifts from the students and faculty of Robert R. Lazar Middle School in Montville Township, New Jersey.
“Originally, we anticipated creating around 50 gift bags for the hospital,” said Art Teacher Julia Seastrand. “However, due to the overwhelming generosity of the Lazar community, the number quickly grew, and we ended up assembling nearly 100 bags!”
These care packages were designed to bring comfort and joy to children at the hospital who were unable to return home for the holidays. Some of the children who received packages were also isolated due to the need to be protected from contagions.
“I think this project is important because the kids in the hospital may not have much to do there, so, something to play with can keep them entertained for a little bit,” explained 6th grader, Pierre. "I enjoyed giving back to the kids, it made me feel proud."
Seastrand and School Counselor Adrianna Salerno organized the Lazar drive. Students, teachers, staff, and families donated unused fidgets, which provided the basis of gift bags, which were assembled and gifted to children who remained in the hospital during the holiday season.
Designed to spread joy and positivity, all Lazar students and faculty came together to participate in the Goryeb Children's Hospital initiative.
"I think the project that we did was good because it brought the holiday spirit to the kids who were not able to be with their families,” said Noel, a 7th grade student. “I learned that when you give, you are happier."
“Students colored seasonal cutouts, each adorned with uplifting affirmations, to be displayed as room decorations for the kids,” said Salerno. “A dedicated group of students then worked together to assemble ‘care packages,’ combining the colorful affirmations with the fidgets to offer both comfort and encouragement. This collaborative effort truly exemplified the spirit of giving and kindness within the Lazar community.”
The fidgets, along with the affirmation cards and colorful winter-themed decorations were assembled into packages by a dedicated group of Lazar 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.
"I felt very important because I was chosen to be a part of this and I like that I got to spread the joy to other kids,” said Lexi, an 8th grade student. “I learned to not take what I have for granted."
In addition to fidgets donated by families and the Lazar Parent Teacher Council [PTC], staff members participated in a dress-down day to help raise funds to cover the costs of packaging and supplies for the project.
“All students and faculty played a key role in organizing and completing this project,” Salerno explained.
During the month of December, teachers throughout the school provided time for all students to participate in the preparation of the care packages. Students created decorations and composed messages of affirmation.
"Our goal for this project began as a simple idea,” added Seastrand. “But, as we saw the Lazar community come together, it grew into something much larger. This collective effort meant we could bring even more smiles to children's faces during such a special time of year. It was truly heartwarming to witness everyone unite for such a wonderful purpose."
Located in Morristown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital is part of the Atlantic Health System. According to www.atlantichealth.org, “Goryeb Children’s Hospital is a non-profit children’s hospital with more than 250 community pediatricians on staff and more than 100 board-certified pediatric specialists in a family-friendly, supportive facility.”
Robert R. Lazar Middle School is a community of 800 students in the Montville Township Public Schools [MTPS] district. Throughout the year, as part of the district’s commitment to character education, Lazar students meet in smaller groups known as “advisory groups.” During this time, each group focuses on initiating projects that will have a positive impact on the Lazar community, the local community, and the world-wide community.
MTPS is a district of 3,500 students. In addition to Robert R. Lazar Middle School, MTPS is home to the Montville Township High School and five elementary schools.