The JCC of Central NJ’s Early Childhood Department Focuses on Charity In and Out of The Classroom.

The JCC’s Early Childhood Department has always included the concept of “tzedakah” or charity into its preschool and kindergarten curriculum.  This school year has been no different – the school’s preschoolers and kindergartners all had an opportunity to learn about charity and helping others.

This lesson begins in the classroom where students care for plants and pets and strive to work positively during all classroom activities to help maintain “Shalom Bayit” or a peaceful classroom.

In addition to this, each grade level also participated in an age-appropriate tzedakah project which benefited outside groups. 

This year’s kindergarten classes held a Read-a-Thon in conjunction with the Valerie Fund in Millburn, NJ.  The Valerie Fund supports children who are fighting cancer or blood disorders and the JCC’s kindergarten classes read their way to raising money to purchase books and pajamas for the Valerie Fund children.

Kindergarten wrap students collaborated with the Happy Hearts Fund, a non-profit foundation dedicated to improving children’s lives through educational and sustainable programs in natural disaster areas.  The kindergarten wrap students learned all about the disaster and after-effects in Japan, and through a week-long “fitness-thon,” they raised money for the devastated country.

The preschool 4s spent time year ‘round with JCC seniors singing songs, engaging in conversations and sharing projects they’ve worked on.  The children were able to see firsthand how much their visits meant to these elderly adults, many of whom are frail and alone. 

The preschool 3s collected and donated much needed toiletries and household cleaning products to Jewish Family and Children Services in Elizabeth for distribution to families in need.  The goods were delivered in baskets decorated by the children.

In addition, the students from all classes were also involved in contributing to The Birthday Box, a non-profit organization which collects new toys and birthday party supplies for underprivileged families in Union and Hudson counties.  The JCC children brightened up the birthdays of many children with their year ‘round toy donations.

Family involvement is always encouraged to help make these projects even more meaningful as the JCC Early Childhood Department strives to build on this very important value.

For more information about the JCC’s Early Childhood programs, contact Robin Brous, Early Childhood Director, at 908-889-8800 x204 or rbrous@jccnj.org. 

The JCC of Central New Jersey is located at 1391 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains. The JCC of Central New Jersey is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey, United Way and the United Fund of Westfield. Financial assistance is available for membership and various programs.