(PATERSON, NJ) – NJ Sharing Network recently brought its commitment to supporting local students to Paterson through its annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive. School supplies, including notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, calculators and more, were generously contributed by NJ Sharing Network team members and community partners.
The school supplies were distributed to local students during the organization’s Live Healthy & Move community event at Vera Ames Community Park. Following the event, E. Denise Peoples, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network and a double-lung transplant recipient, delivered additional school supplies to Paterson Public School 18 – her alma mater – where she met with school leaders and staff as they prepared for the new school year.
“As someone who was born and raised in Paterson, giving back to students in our community is incredibly meaningful,” said Peoples. “I know how important it is for young people to feel supported, and I am proud to be part of an organization that looks for opportunities to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”
The school supplies will help students begin the new school year with essential tools for learning and success. The initiative reflects NJ Sharing Network’s ongoing commitment to building strong community partnerships and supporting children and families throughout New Jersey.
According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), more than 100,000 Americans — including more than 3,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while one tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 75 people. To learn more or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO 1 – (At Center) E. Denise Peoples, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network, with Paterson Public School 18 Principal Deyanira Pagan-Cartagena and Ronald Barone, technology teacher. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO 2 – E. Denise Peoples, Manager of Strategic Partnerships at NJ Sharing Network, delivers school supplies to Paterson Public School 18. Peoples is pictured with Principal Deyanira Pagan-Cartagena and Vice Principal Jessica Marie Cambareri, along with members of the school staff in the background. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)