To the Editor:
I would like to thank the entire Bayonne Community on behalf of H.I.G.H.W.A.Y.S, its parent organization the Windmill Alliance, and the children of Bayonne for your incredible generosity.
Two weeks ago, we ended our first backpack and school supply collection, “Backpacks for Bayonne Kids.” When we first envisioned starting a city-wide backpack drive, we worried about the number of families who were in need. What happened was astounding and incredible. With all the donations we received, we were able to give backpacks and supplies to 220 Bayonne school children.
So many of you donated anonymously, just coming to the back door of H.I.G.H.W.A.Y.S. and handing a bag or bags of supplies to one of our volunteers. Some of you came more than once, sometimes coming every week. Donations ranged from backpacks to glue, and everything in between.
Other people donated money, allowing us to buy what was needed. I can’t tell you of the numbers of times I went to the store, buying extra backpacks or stacks of composition marble notebooks. I’ve discovered that teachers can request as many as eight composition notebooks per child!
I am so grateful for your generosity, for without you many less fortunate children would not have been helped. You made “Backpacks for Bayonne Kids” a success. Thank you again for your generosity.
REV. ROSE COHEN HASSAN
Manager of Social Services
H.I.G.H.W.A.Y.S.