Young kindness ambassadors donate lending library to their school

On Thursday, June 8, St. Matthew School, Edison, was visited by Mayor Sam Joshi as “For Goodness Sake” presented a free community library to the school. “For Goodness Sake,” an afterschool kindness club for grades 1-4, is the vision of SMS teacher, Andrea Powers.

“I am a teacher who believes that we were all placed on this planet to do good for others and help each other along our journey,” said Powers, who explained that the motto, “Feel GoodDo Good,” is practiced at each meeting by first participating in personal selfesteem/mindfulness activities and then working on projects designed to bring joy to others within the school, church and community.

Long-time parishioner and beloved school staff member, John Kulesa, along with his son Tom Kulesa, crafted and donated the book box to the club. The members decided it looked like a birdhouse and drew bird images which now adorn the outside of the structure. John assisted with the painting of the box, as each member contributed to its creation.

The free library box will be located outside St. Matthew School beginning this summer. Visitors are invited to stop by to “take a look and share a book.”

“Our hope is to spread our mission of philanthropy so neighbors can exchange their gifts of books and kindness with each other,” said Powers.

Young members of “For Goodness Sake,” an after-school kindness club for grades 1-4, join Edison Mayor Sam Joshi during their presentation of a free community mini-lending library to the school. The hand-crafted book box was designed and created by John Kulsea, not pictured, and son, Tom, not pictured, and decorated by members. Courtesy photos