The United Synagogue of Hoboken, Hoboken Housing Authority and the Hoboken Public Library’s Project Read a Book Outreach Program joined together on Sunday, Sept. 11 to promote the idea of maintaining a healthy mind, body and soul as part of Mitzvah Day at Mama Johnson Field.
The day’s events began with a breakfast station, designed to encourage city kids to start the day with a healthy, balanced meal. An obstacle course was set up to stress the importance of daily exercise, and guests were offered the opportunity to sign up for a free library card. There were plenty of donated books for guests of all ages to take home and a reading by the Friends of the Hoboken Public Library for the community’s children.
The day’s events were coordinated by Carmelo Garcia, executive director of the Hoboken Housing Authority, and Jake Stuiver, a housing commissioner, as well as Marilyn Freiser and Rosanne Rana, co-presidents of the Friends of the Hoboken Public Library.
The event was a resounding success.
“We had an amazing turn out, with plenty of signups for library cards,” said Freiser. “The best moment was when a little girl asked me if she could read with me. This is what events like these are all about.”
The library provided free children’s books to all who attended. Many children read with the library staff and some even showed off their reading skills to their friends.
“Our partnership with the library encourages our children to read, which increases literacy for them and for their families,” said Garcia. “The library not only donated to our residents at Mitzvah day but they have agreed to donate all year long. When a child can read, the possibilities for the future are endless.”
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