Kids-for-Kids’ 16th annual Walk-for-Chalk is scheduled for Sunday, May 22, from noon to 4 p.m. at West Windsor Community Park. The walk will raise funds to support community service projects benefiting needy children in New Jersey, the largest project being the purchase of new backpacks and school supplies to be delivered to needy children. In the past 15 years, Kids-for-Kids has raised approximately $160,000 primarily through the walks.
Kids-for-Kids is also holding a car wash to raise money for the main event on Sunday, May 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Valero gas station on Southfield and Princeton-Hightstown roads.
The High School North chapter is led by Sarah Shapiro and Bryan Berger with officers Erin Bonafede and Chloe Spetalnick. The High School South chapter is led by Danielle Olgin.
Members include Taylor Birnbaum, Megan Spencer; Sergio Ingato, Sarah Peck, Danielle Johnson, Colleen Farrell, Ben Pincus, Harshita Nedhuri, Ashley Burch, Larry Goun, Rose Soskind, Annie Bonazzi, Amanda Grant, Amy Greenberger, Mayunk Chowla, Michael Casarona, Emma Siversten, Stephanie Krakower, Bianca Ingato, Becky Torres, Lindsey Fecko, Mariel Sullivan, and Sabrina Olgin.
Community service projects include hosting holiday parties for children at Homefront and the Laurie Haven House in Edison and conducting food and goods drives, including hygiene products for families at Homefront. Kids-for-Kids also held a Thanksgiving luncheon for children at the Children’s Day School in Ewing and took children from the Laurie Haven House to a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at McCarter Theater, and hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party for these children as well.
High School South and North members also volunteered at the Crisis Ministry Food Pantry in Trenton, and tutor children at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton on a weekly basis. “One of my favorite thing about Kids-for-Kids is tutoring students — it’s more than just tutoring,” says Ashley Burch, a senior at South. “You develop a friendship with the kids. It is so nice when you walk in and they call out your name and run up to you all excited.”
In addition to the walk, there will be other activities, including a moonwalk, games, arts and crafts, refreshments, and prizes donated from area businesses. Music during the walk will also be provided by DJ Tony Dimaygua.
Walkers solicit sponsors prior to the walk. The suggested walk is five laps around the track (about 1 mile). Walkers may walk as many laps as they are comfortable walking. Cash or check donations are accepted, although checks are preferred and should be made payable to Kids-for-Kids of New Jersey Inc. Donations are accepted at the walk or may be mailed prior to the walk to Kids-for-Kids of New Jersey, Box 0163, Princeton Junction 08550-0163.
There is no rain date. Walkers should check the Kids-for-Kids website, www.kidsnj.moonfruit.com or call 609-897-0564 to see if the walk is cancelled due to inclement weather.
“The Walk-for-Chalk is a fun day, not only for the kids, but also for the parents,” says Lawrence Goun, a senior at South. “Also, we teens love working with the kids at the walk on arts and crafts.”
— Lynn Miller
Car Wash, Kids-for-Kids, Valero Gas Station, Southfield and Princeton-Hightstown roads, West Windsor. Sunday, May 15, Noon to 4 p.m. 609-897-0564 www.kidsnj.moonfruit.com.
Walk for Chalk, Kids-for-Kids, West Windsor Community Park, Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor. Sunday, May 22, Noon to 4 p.m. 609-897-0564. www.kidsnj.moonfruit.com.
