Area groups score major gifts for HomeFront
While Christmas time produces numerous gift-giving opportunities, something special occurs when young people learn that the art of giving can last throughout the year and their lifetimes.
Members of the Marlton Orange Crush Soccer Team fulfilled a go-a-l-l-l-l-l recently when they delivered coats, uniforms and sneakers to HomeFront as a way to support clients of the non-profit that missions to end homelessness in Central Jersey.
HomeFront seeks to lessen the immediate pain of homelessness and help families become selfsufficient. Clients learn skills that can positively alter futures. Since it’s inception 25 years ago, HomeFront has worked to break the cycle of poverty and end homelessness in Central Jersey with altruistic efforts made by soccer moms, business leaders, residents, teachers and young soccer players, too.
Melissa O’Donnell serves as point person for the Marlton initiative but she quickly deflected credit to numerous other gifters, including the staff and students of Littlebrook School in Princeton..
“It’s a team effort with almost everyone pitching in to help,” O’Donnell, a Littlebrook kindergarten teacher, said. “Of course, our girls soccer coach Jim Bachman plays an important role. He had seen on Facebook that I had been working with HomeFront and he wanted to part of our team.”
O’Donnell connected with HomeFront several years ago and since then she and her eight-year-old twins, Gracie and Shane, have made regular collections and deliveries to the successful non-profit based in Ewing Twp.
O’Donnell said a recent request for support delivered a mother who spent $250 on Christmas outfits for HomeFront clients.
“Students and parents are learning the tremendous joy that comes with helping others. I want my children to know that they can help others, want my kids to know that we are blessed in so many ways. So, yeah, we give,” O’Donnell explained.
“Many of my co-workers and parents make donations regularly of gently warn shoes and clothing. The great thing is that we stay in touch throughout the year.”