On Friday, January 19th, Hillside showed us exactly why “Hillside has Heart” is our motto. 

All 3rd grade students participated in a service learning project to help the Homeless Bus organization.  Homeless Bus  heads into New York City every Saturday night, providing quick and easy simple food options, warm socks, and personal sized toiletries to homeless individuals on the streets of New York City.  Lead by the 3rd Grade Teachers, in collaboration with Rania Gerges (PTA Community Service Chair) and Denise Dunton (PTA Co-President), 300 sandwiches and 300 “Blessing Bags” were put together through donations from Hillside families, teachers and the PTA.  Leading up to the big day, the 3rd grade teachers included in their curriculum lessons on the misconceptions of the homeless, hosted an assembly on the subject and had the children decorate 300 bags for the project.  After the children finished making their Blessing Bags, they had the opportunity to check out the Homeless Bus up close and help load it.

The Homeless Bus coordinator wrote, “Feeling so blessed to have spent the morning with the students and faculty at Hillside Elementary School in Livingston, New Jersey. I can’t thank this school enough for making blessing bags and sandwiches for all of our friends but I am also beyond honored to be on the receiving end of their kindness and generosity and for making me feel soooooo special. This school truly embodies the concept of kindness and paying it forward!!!”

Great job Hillside Community!