'Paws For A Cause' Helps Barnegat Students, Families In Need

BARNEGAT, NJ — The Barnegat Township School District (BTSD) has a new way to give back and support the community thanks to their newest initiative - Paws for a Cause. This initiative “demonstrates [the district's] commitment to upholding the compassion and inclusivity present in the township,” according to a news release.

According to the district, Paws for a Cause creates partnerships within the schools and with community organizations to provide easy access to the help some families, students, and staff may need; whether it be supplying educational materials, connecting residents with vital services, or facilitating access to financial assistance.

“I am proud to be a part of this compassionate community and am thrilled we are building on the kindness that is always present in Barnegat,” said BTSD Superintendent Brian Latwis. “Paws for a Cause will further strengthen our relationship with our school family and community while ensuring students' needs are met outside of the educational world.”

Recently, Paws for a Cause teamed with Family Promise of the Jersey Shore, the Women’s Club at the Lighthouse Venue, Barnegat Elementary PTA, and the Robert L. Horbelt Intermediate School student council to prepare and hand out more than 130 Easter baskets to students in need in grades pre-K through six.

Gift cards provided by GENYOUth and Acme Markets Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program also provided staff members with $700 in gift cards for food and necessities. A summer meal program, donations to the district Caring Closets, and Thanksgiving baskets also lent support to residents in Barnegat Township last school year. These initiatives were successful in Paws for a Cause’s pilot year, which unofficially began with its efforts in March 2024. In their first full year, they will build on similar projects while expanding with new members and increased support from the community. Each school will also have a Paws for a Cause liaison.

The first event of the 2024-2025 school year will be a social gathering for staff at the Barnegat American Legion Post 232. Staff members will enjoy food, entertainment and the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues after the summer months.

To learn more about Paws for a Cause and the Barnegat Township School District, visit barnegatschools.com. For questions or inquiries on how to offer support, please contact pawsforacause@barnegatschools.com.