Students at The Pennington School engaged in several events designed to support local organizations last month.
Several students volunteered at the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry, which assists people who find themselves in need of a helping hand. Using the public school bus system and all-volunteer workers, the pantry collects, sorts, packages and delivers groceries and fresh produce weekly.
The Pennington students packed many bags of food on Oct. 26 that were delivered at the end of the week to families in Ewing and Hopewell, according to information provided by the school.
Another group of Pennington students are working on Jared Boxes to donate to pediatric patients at a local hospital. After collecting toys, books and crafts from Pennington students, parents and faculty members, the group will create the Jared Boxes.
A Jared Box is a plastic shoe-sized storage box filled with small gifts, toys, games, crayons, coloring books and fun activities. Each box contains items selected for a specific age and gender. The boxes are given to children in the hospital to provide a special, fun diversion, according to its website.
Last year, over 100 Jared Boxes were put together at the school and delivered to young children, bringing joy to those who are confined to the hospital, according to the statement.
Pennington’s Community Service Club also coordinated a very successful donation drive of hygiene products designated for Afghan refugees who are living at the McGuire-Fort Dix Air Force Base. The group plans to support the refugees throughout the year and will participate in another drive early in the new year, according to the statement.
Faculty members Tiernan Close and David Hallgren, who lead the community service efforts at the School, said in the statement, “It is great to see students being socially aware and pulling together to help those in need.“
The Pennington School is an independent coeducational school for students in grades 6-12, in both day and boarding programs. The curriculum is college preparatory, with an emphasis on individual excellence, fostering the development of the whole student through academics, athletics, community service, and the creative and performing arts.
