Local Heroes
West Orange Sophomores Collect Items for the Afghanistan Refugees in NJ By Jackie Schatell
R
ecently, four sophomores at West Orange High School in West Orange: Brooke Schenk, Liam Brosnan, Dylan Schatell, and Tanner Joroff ran a drive to collect items for the Afghanistan refugees who landed in NJ after the US pulled out of Afghanistan and the Taliban took over, causing many refugees to flee the country. When I heard the refugees were coming to NJ, I immediately wanted to help them,” said Schatell. “Most of them have escaped deportable conditions and have nothing.” Agreeing, Joroff said, “It feels great to know that all our efforts will positively impact the Afghan refugees.” The collection boxes were located at all of the West Orange Public Schools and at the West Orange Public Library. Scott J. Cascone, Superintendent, West Orange Public Schools who along with the building principals helped tremendously with supporting and promoting the drive and delivering and collecting the donation boxes said, “I am very proud of this young lady and these gentlemen. This initiative that they have taken on exemplifies not only the character of our community and of course the character of these young folks, as they are precisely the type of individuals and student citizens that as a school system we are working to try and foster and graduate from our schools.” The items collected included new socks, new hygiene items, gently used or new shoes/sneakers and bed linens. They will be donated to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which will distribute them to the refugees.
Front: Scott J. Cascone, Superintendent, West Orange Public Schools Back, left-right: Liam Brosnan, Brooke Schenk, Tanner Joroff, & Dylan Schatell Photo: Scott J. Cascone, Superintendent, West Orange Public Schools
“We collected so much and are so grateful to the West Orange community,” says Liam Brosnan. Brooke Schenk added “It was overwhelming to see the donations we collected and I felt fulfilled thinking of the people that would be receiving the donations”
the genuine delight that a clean pair of socks or a new toothbrush can bring to a person in need is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.”
Sally Simonfay, Basic Needs Coordinator, IRC, is thrilled to be accepting the donations. She said, “It’s fantastic to know that there are such wonderful communities of students who are supporting our refugee population and helping homeless men, women and children. Hygiene products, clean socks, toiletries and shoes protect and help to ensure the health of these incredibly vulnerable families. More importantly,
When asked how she felt about her daughter Brooke’s involvement, Julie Schenk said, “It’s wonderful to see these kids so tuned in to what’s going on in the world today and find a way they can contribute to their community locally. It was great, but not surprising to see the West Orange community be so generous.” Liam’s mom, Tracey Brosnan said, “I am so proud of my son and his friends. They give me hope that there will be a better future. We need more kindness in this world and they are laying the groundwork.”
November 2021
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