We Are in This Together Responding to Urgent Needs of Gregory School Families!
On April 9th, The Center for Child and Family Achievement (CCFA), in partnership with Aramark and Mercer Street Friends Center, made Easter Weekend very special for children and families at the Gregory School. Aramark, the Trenton Board of Education’s Food Service provider, delivered 200 Hefty bags, filled with food and milk, for the weekly “Grab n Go” meals, which included breakfast and lunch items. Mercer Street Friends Center distributed to more than 100 children its weekly, ”Send Hunger Packing,“ bags, which included snacks and prepared meals to be warmed at home. As a compliment to what was offered by Aramark and Mercer Street Friends, Christine’s Hope for Kids, Debbie Venello and CVS provided Easter candy and snacks for 70 treat bags. As part of the CCFA “Read to Achieve” program, books from Mercer Street Friends Center were distributed to students and parents for their home libraries. Together we were able to respond to the urgent and growing concerns around food insecurity and shelter-in-place activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CCFA extends a very special thanks to Ms. Jacquelynn M. Rice, CCFA Site Liaison; and volunteers Yolanda L. Robinson and Jakeem Rice for their commitment to serve Gregory School students. Thank you to CVS Pharmacy, our newest donor, as well as to Christine’s Hope for Kids and Ms. Debbie Venello who have faithfully supported CCFA and the students and families of the Gregory School with their thoughtful, purposeful and significant donations over the years. Our deepest gratitude is extended to Gregory School Principal, Ms. Harris, and Vice Principal, Ms. Constanza, for their guidance as we work with our community partners to navigate how to best reach families in these very challenging times.
We all know that immediate access to resources of all kinds during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical, and CCFA is encouraged by the magnitude of what we accomplished together. We also know that during this time, behind the masks and gloves, and social distance there will be smiles, warm hands and hearts as we continue to join our efforts in true service.
