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Vol. LXI, No. 50
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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Vol. LXI, No. 50
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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Nineteen students from the Hun School set up a holiday bazaar with a difference last Saturday, December 8, for children and mothers living in HomeFront’s Family Preservation Center in Trenton.
Tables displaying books, hats and scarves, gloves, slipper sox, puzzles, stuffed toys, crayons, pez dispensers, candles, decorative pins, mugs, and photo albums were set up beside cookies and juice for HomeFront kids to choose from the selection.
Each child visiting the bazaar received tickets to “spend.” They were not, however, buying for themselves but rather for their brothers, sisters, and mothers. The “purchases” were festively wrapped and named for the happy recipient.
“This is an amazing event, a truly unique idea, that incorporates caring for others and a practical math lesson as well,” said Connie Mercer, Executive Director of HomeFront. “The moms have no part in the choosing, so it really is a great learning experience for the children. It’s all about the joy of giving; these are children who are seldom in a position to give material items.”
In addition to the bazaar, the Hun School students served refreshments and worked on holiday crafts projects with the children.
Hun School student Carly Sussman came up with the idea and, with her friend and fellow 8th grader Katie Stevenson, organized a bake sale to raise money for the event. “It’s important to give back to the community,” said the 13-year old Princeton resident.
The Hun School endorsed the project. Seventh and eighth grade American history and world geography teacher Joan Nuse and science teacher Madeline Jones, who also teaches 7th and 8th grade, helped direct Saturday’s event, which was attended by Hun School parent Jessica Johnson and her daughter Kyria Johnson, a 7th grader and part of the photography group assigned to record the event.
HomeFront staff member Angela Jacobs of Hopewell, who was accompanied by her daughter, has been working with HomeFront for about six years, first as a volunteer and, for the last one and a half years, in the VISTA Program, teaching computing to moms and kids at the FPC. “Women seeking jobs need computer skills and I teach all sorts of practical skills, from basic computer literacy to word processing and resumé building, as well as introducing kids from ages five to 16 to educational games that reinforce reading and math,” said Ms. Jacobs. “I want to be part of the solution so I’ve always gravitated towards jobs that help people who are dealing with low-incomes and homelessness.”
According to HomeFront, there are about 450 homeless people in Mercer County on any given night and most of those are children. The average age of a homeless person is seven.
The first visitor to the bazaar was LaDorya Green, selecting a gift for her mother Terry Green. Both had been at the center for just three days.
Family Preservation
HomeFront’s Family Preservation Center houses some 40 homeless moms and their kids, sometimes as many as 150 children.
Homelessness affects children’s self-esteem, social behavior and academics,” said Ms. Mercer. “If we, as a community, are to end homelessness we must put support measures in place to ensure these children receive help that they need during this time when the family is stressed beyond normal bounds. Obviously, these children are not privileged. Ordinary things our own children and we take for granted are huge in their lives. The most simple gifts or simple acts of kindness are special for these homeless children.
“Special events like the Hun School Christmas Bazaar demonstrate that the holiday season isn’t just about getting (or not getting) presents. It’s about family and friends and it’s about giving.”