In efforts to spread spring cheer, Oak Knoll fifth and sixth-grade students assembled more than 100 Easter baskets for children living in welfare motels throughout New Jersey.

As part of a social studies citizenship project where students discuss the issue of homelessness in classes, students collected all the fixings for Easter baskets including candy, toys, plastic eggs, cellophane grass and wrap, and other small Easter items and novelties.  

The baskets were delivered to the Mother (Saint) Teresa Sisters of Asbury Park who will then distribute to the local children in need.

“Projects like this help teach our students to be grateful for what they have and also to have empathy for children their own age who have so much less, especially in light of the added burdens that families are facing due to the pandemic,” said Leslie Smith, Oak Knoll’s Lower School social studies teacher.  “It also reinforces the fact that kids their age can make a difference in the lives of others.” 

All Easter basket items were generously donated by Oak Knoll parents, former and current teachers, and administrators.

Lower School students have participated in the Easter basket service project for more than 15 years.

“These children don’t have as much as we do, so it is important that we find a way to make them feel special,” said Maddie Castano ’28, Oak Knoll fifth grade student from Essex Fells. 

Click here for more information about Oak Knoll’s service projects.