Help Mahwah Kids Fund Home For Family In Need; Charity Event Monday

MAHWAH, NJ — The seniors in the Mahwah High School's Habitat for Humanity Club announced a lofty goal for this year: to raise $140,000 to help build a home for a Bergen County family before they graduate in June.

From shoveling snow to seeking corporate donations, the students have worked tirelessly toward the goal.

Habitat for Humanity is a national organization that uses the work of volunteers and "sweat equity" work from prospective homeowners, to build homes for the needy.

The seniors raised money throughout the year, but will hold their major fundraiser this Monday — a Volleyball Celebration at the high school football field on June 17. Tickets are only $5 a piece.

They're also seeking corporate donations from area businesses.

Mahwah High School Assistant Principal Craig Jandoli said this year’s seniors “are a very special group of students who want to give back like no other group has done before.”

The students have already earned their service hours, but still volunteer their time to help others, he said.

Club President Carleigh May and Vice President Noor Sikka approached Club Advisor Sarah Guzinski and Jandoli about the idea for a special senior
sendoff for a community-wide project to help a local family.

“They first proposed raising $5,000, but then thought, ‘why not go bigger?’ and decided to raise enoug money to fund the building supplies for a single-family home,” Jandoli said.

“They have the heart, willpower, and dedication to do this,” Guzinski said. “These seniors love giving back to the community.”

The June 17 Volleyball Celebration, which begins at 7 p.m., will be a community-wide event featuring matches with students and staff from several district schools as well as alumni. The members of the high school volleyball team will serve as referees. Funds will be raised through ticket sales (which are $5 each) and concessions. There will be food trucks, music and more.

Teri Capparelli, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County, commended the high school and the club for their efforts.

“When Sarah and Craig informed me that the students want to raise $140,0000, I was absolutely overwhelmed with joyous tears,” she said.
“And three days before graduation, they are hosting an event to give back to the community. This says an awful lot about Mahwah that the
young men and women are coming together to do something remarkable."

The event takes place Monday, June 17 at 7 p.m. at the Mahwah High School Turf Field, 50 Ridge Road, Mahwah NJ 07430.

"This Volleyball Tournament is district-wide and promises to be an inspiring evening. All proceeds will go to Habitat Bergen a 501©3 non-profit building affordable housing in Bergen County," said a release from Habitat.

More details can be found at HabitatBergen.org.

Habitat Bergen is a non-profit organization committed to providing decent affordablehomes for hard-working families and building strong, sustainable communities. With a focus on creating positive change in the housing landscape, Habitat Bergen strives to empower individuals and families to achieve stability and thrive. Habitat Bergen's approach is a "hand-up, not a hand-out," empowering homeowners through sweat equity, financial literacy, and homeownership education.