Dear Fellow Residents,
In the spirit of the season, I want to share a tradition of giving sponsored by our Harrison Township School District. Dubbed The Explorer Giving Project and located in the lobbies of both Harrison Township Elementary School and Pleasant Valley School (HTS and PVS), it has become a wonderful teaching tool to instill the spirit of giving and sharing in our children. The campaign provides families in need from our community with gift cards during the holidays and has been an annual event for more than 20 years. Students and staff from HTS and PVS support this worthy cause by donating Walmart or Target gift cards.
Whether you currently have children in our elementary school system or have had them there in the past, like me, we all recognize how our community benefits from having such a top-notch public school system. Programs and initiatives like The Explorer Giving Project only enhance that classroom experience and our district’s reputation.
Anna Lisa Rodano, Principal at HTS, said:
“I just wanted to reach out to let you know about a project we are working on here at Harrison Township School District. We are collecting Walmart and Target gift cards to give to families in our district. We would love to be able to give $100 in gift cards, per child, to 130 children right here in our lovely town. This sets our fundraising goal at $13,000.
“If you are able to donate, please drop off Walmart and/or Target gift cards at Harrison Township Elementary School, 120 North Main St.
“If you have already donated, we appreciate your generosity. If you know of any other local organizations that would be interested in donating, please feel free to pass this information along. Our deadline for receiving gift cards is Friday, Dec.15 by noon. Thank you in advance for your support.”
I know you share my understanding of how this project will benefit everyone involved, on both the giving and receiving side. I have already made my donation. Join me, if you can, in showing our Harrison Strong spirit this holiday season and supporting our kids in achieving or surpassing their goal.
Together for Harrison Township,
Lou Manzo
