Willow School Heads Effort to Help New Jersey School Recover After Sandy

Homewood’s Willow School is reaching out to help a New Jersey elementary school struggling to recover after Hurricane Sandy.

Until December 7th, Willow School will be collecting cash and check donations to replenish the school library of Frog Pond Elementary in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey.  The New Jersey school’s 140 students and 40 staff members are still displaced by the effects of the super storm that hit on October 29, and their school library has been devastated.

Willow was alerted to the needs of Frog Pond Elementary by long-time friends of the Homewood schools, Kara and John Schwaller. The couple recently retired from their positions at Willow and HF High School and has been spending time with Kara’s dad in Little Egg Harbor.  They were visiting the town when Hurricane Sandy hit.  Fortunately, they were unharmed, and their family’s home survived the storm.

“But in true Schwaller style, Kara and John pitched right in with local relief efforts, efforts that are still continuing,” said Willow Principal Mary Ann Savage. “Knowing how dear books are to a child’s education, they have asked for our help in replenishing the school library.

Cash or check donations will be accepted at Willow School, 1814 Willow Road, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., through December 7th.  Checks should be made payable to “Frog Pond School.”

“We hope that the giving spirit of Homewood will extend to the New Jersey shore as we share our resources with them during this holiday season,” said Savage.