Ginny Butler is a home economics teacher at North Bergen High School and the faculty advisor for the school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization.
The group has about 30 members and encourages them to become more involved in civic organizations and be more community minded.
“We also promote them to be aware of the community’s needs and try to help in any way possible,” Butler said.
Butler learned of the “Make a Difference Day,” which was held nationwide on Oct. 27, sponsored by USA Weekend magazine.
“It was a national day of helping each other,” Butler said. “The students were encouraged to bring out the best in themselves and in the community.”
Butler discussed the “Make a Difference Day” program with her students, and they bantered about different ways that they could help the North Bergen community.
After a while, it was determined that the best way would be to help beautify and clean up the area around Boulevard East, in particular, the bird sanctuary near the northern end of the town.
“The students made bird feeders to hang around the park,” Butler said. “They went around the area and cleaned up the park.”
Thanks to Parks and Recreation Commissioner Allen Pascual, the township’s Department of Public Works provided garbage pickers and gloves for the students to use. Pascual, who is also a vice-principal at the high school, was the one that recommended the bird sanctuary as a site in need of constant cleaning.
“I don’t know if the students knew what they were getting into,” Butler said. “They were digging up all kinds of things there. One of them found an old umbrella from a hot dog truck. They collected a whole load of stuff. It was amazing.”
Butler said that the area is actually a very picturesque setting, with a great view of the Manhattan skyline, high above the Palisades.
“If it’s kept nice, it could really be a beautiful site,” Butler said. “The spot needed some work, so the kids were really glad to be able to help out. It was a good choice. It’s a beautiful place that more people should take more advantage of.”
Butler said that the event was such a success that there are other community events planned for the FCCLA.
“We would like to do more, perhaps visit senior citizens in hospitals and nursing homes,” Butler said.
The group has previously organized efforts to make baby blankets for the newborn babies as part of the North Hudson Community Action Corporation’s WIC program, for mothers in need.
“If we can fit other activities into our schedule, we’re going to do it,” Butler said. “This was not a one-day effort. Sure, October 26 was the date set up all around the country to make a difference. But our kids want to make a difference all the time. We want to help the community all the time and do things in a lot of different areas.”