Sixth Graders Make a Difference at GRACE

On Wednesday, October 28, our sixth graders visited GRACE in Summit, NJ, for their first community service experience of the school year. The morning began with a hands-on activity: students bagged fresh rolls and loaves of bread, preparing approximately 300 bags for delivery to local families in need. Through this activity, students saw how even a simple task can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Afterward, Amanda Block, founder of GRACE, introduced students to the work of GRACE and explained how the organization supports families throughout the community. She emphasized the importance of understanding the specific needs of the people receiving assistance and thoughtfully providing items that will make a difference in their daily lives.

Amanda also shared some of GRACE’s seasonal initiatives. As Halloween approaches, the organization operates its Boo-tique, where families can browse and select popular Halloween costumes so their children can participate in trick-or-treating. She also shared that GRACE recently distributed more than 800 coats to help community members stay warm as the weather turns colder.

In addition to these special initiatives, GRACE provides families with essential items such as milk, diapers, bread, eggs, and other everyday staples. These deliveries help ensure that families have access to the necessities they need.

When asked to reflect on their experience immediately following the trip, students shared:

“A lot of people, not just in the world, but close to where we live, don’t have enough of the basic needs, and GRACE is working really hard to provide for them and make sure they can live comfortably.”

“Some of the basic amenities and needs that are not available to others are normal to us; we have a lot that we sometimes take for granted.”

And, in a similar reflection on the morning, one student summed it up with three words: “It was fun!”

We are grateful to Amanda Block and the GRACE team for welcoming our sixth graders and helping them better understand the impact of serving their community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with GRACE throughout the school year!