WOODBRIDGE – Gov. Phil Murphy gave a salute to 11 friends from Colonia High School, who have come together as Colonia Cares to sell t-shirts and lawn signs to raise money for a good cause in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
An endeavor that started on April 18 has garnered 500 items sold.
“Wow,” the governor exclaimed during his daily press conference on April 22.
Murphy recognized the group from Colonia High School – Harrison Brindley, Emily Christie, Jordan Derkack, Mia Kruysman, Kerri Lishak, Emily Melendez, Nate Manente, Victor Perosi, Antonia Pierce, Jack Reilly and Jose Ribiero – during his #NJThankYou segment.
“These are just three of the many, many good news stories,” he said.
Like the governor, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac recognized the group in his daily report on April 22.
All the proceeds are turned into gift cards from local stores and restaurants, which are then donated to a local food banks as well as Woodbridge Social Services.
McCormac said the proceeds help the businesses and the residents.
“They raised so much money so soon that they are expanding the effort to the entire township,” he said. “They will probably hit $10,000 within a few days. … With young adults like you, there is no doubt that our future looks pretty bright after all. Congratulations to your parents, teachers and Principal Ken Pace for your leadership.”
For more information, visit the Colonia Cares at etsy.com/shop/coloniacares.
In addition, McCormac recognized the township’s senior citizen bus drivers and Coordinator Diane Mantagas for quietly bringing meals to seniors and taking them to doctor visits.
“They are just one of the many groups of township workers who are really making a difference in the lives of our residents who are the most vulnerable during this crisis,” he said.
