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Newark City
Council Newsletter--District One
Helping the Downes Elementary Family
December 2010
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Dear Friends,
As I near the end of my time on Newark City Council,
I've started to reflect back on some of the most
enjoyable experiences I've had during my time in
office. Without a doubt, one of my favorite
activities has been visiting our local schools. One
of these schools, Downes Elementary, is located in
the middle of the 1st District, and for the past six
years I've had the opportunity to visit the school
as Principal for a Day. I always look forward to
it. I truly believe that Principal Schwartz is one
of Newark's treasures, and all of the dedicated
folks there at the school do amazing work for our
city.
My visit to the school this year happened just last
week, and mixed in with all of the good I saw that
day was the sad reality that many Downes families
are struggling to make ends meet. As our economy
continues to suffer, so do some of our friends and
neighbors.
If you've been on this list for a while you've read
about the "Mitten Tree". For those of you new to my
email list or not a current member of the Downes
family, on a tree in the school's hallway are cutout
paper mittens with a list of items that needy Downes
families are desperate for during the holiday
season. On the tree are recommendations such as
boots, gloves, socks and underwear. Individuals
from the school's community pick off a mitten,
purchase the item and return it back to the school.
Thanks to this great community we live in, most all
of the mittens have already been taken from the
tree.
When I tell you that some kids in our area schools
show up in the only clothes that they own--or
without a coat because they don't have one--that is
no exaggeration. When I tell you that some come to
school not knowing when they will have another full
meal, I'm promising you that it's not a myth...it's
a reality. As a parent, I find this reality to be
heartbreaking.
As Principal Schwartz reminded me, families are in
need of the staples listed on the mittens, but they
are also working hard to keep food on the table.
Last year, many of you were able generously donate
gift cards from Acme or Superfresh that Downes was
able to add to the packages of clothing. It was a
tremendous show of community support and caring.
We're in tough times, I know. But if you are able
to join me again this year in purchasing a gift card
or two from one of our local supermarkets in support
of the Mitten Tree program, I would greatly
appreciate it. Any amount--be it $5, $10, $15 or
$25--would be a big help. If you want, you can
email me back and I'd be glad to pick it up at your
home. Or you can always feel free to drop one off
on your own at the school's main office. If you are
a local business or organization looking for a cause
to support, please consider this one.
Please keep in mind that this supports Newark
families living among us. They are children
attending Downes who will be getting just the
necessities during the holidays this year. Your
support truly will stay local. If you are
interested and able, the deadline for this is within
the next two weeks.
As this is my last year on Council it will also be
my last year making this request of you. I know
that for most, this year is harder than last, and I
know it is likely that many of you who were able to
support this effort last year may not be able to do
so again this year. But if you are looking for a
cause to support this holiday season, I appreciate
you considering this one.
Best wishes to you and yours as we enter the holiday
season, and I wish you all the best for a happy and
healthy 2011. --Paul |
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