Marlboro's Robert Cited As A Star Student: Here's Why

MARLBORO-COLTS NECK, NJ —Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Barbara, who nominated her son Robert of the Marlboro-Colts Neck area.

Robert is now a sophomore in college, but started a toy drive in 2013 that has expanded to a major initiative in some of the poorest areas of the state in Essex County. Yet he does this without wanting to take any credit.

Star local student’s name

Robert

Star local student’s home state

New Jersey

How do you know the star local student?

Parent

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

My son has been running a toy drive in 2013 that has grown tremendously over the years. It first started with Freehold Troop 18 Boy Scouts when he was in middle school as an advancement requirement, and he helped buy toys for Stomp the Monster local charity.

It then moved to Curemonos which helps families with mothers with cancer in the inner city of New Jersey.

He is now a sophomore at Seton Hall University, South Orange. He collected and had wrapped over 400 toys for Curemonos and the St Gabriel’s RC Church giving program and helped dozens of charities.

I am attaching a letter from the director of Curemonos:

“My name is Dora Arias and I am the founder of Curémonos, a non-profit organization based in Summit, New Jersey. It is with great pleasure that I am writing this letter on behalf of Robert . . . to highlight his volunteer work with the organization.

"As a non-profit organization, Curémonos depends heavily on the generosity of donors and volunteers. I first met Robert in 2015 right before the holiday season when he reached out to Curémonos as he wanted to donate toys for our Holiday Cheer Program. Curémonos’ Holiday Cheer Program was developed to alleviate the financial stresses that often make the holidays such a difficult time for so many breast cancer patients. Most importantly, it was developed to improve patients’ quality of life and to create lasting memories with their children.

"With Robert’s help, the Holiday Cheer program has grown tremendously over the years and last year we were able to include patients from Clara Maass Medical Center. Clara Maass serves patients primarily from Newark, which is one of the poorest areas in the country. A total of 29 patients and 48 children benefited from the program, making it our biggest to date! One of our clients was a young breast cancer patient who lived in a homeless shelter with her 10-year-old daughter. Due to Robert’s efforts, we made the holidays extra special for all patients and their children and the impact of his work is best described by the testimonials of our patients (attached).

"For the Holiday Cheer Program, Robert organizes the toy drive with other Boy Scouts in his troop. He gift wraps all of the toys, labels each gift by category, age group and gender. Additionally, he creates an Excel spreadsheet which lists all of the toys and their corresponding value so that we can keep track of the donations for Curémonos’ audit purposes. This is a huge undertaking that requires a lot of patience, organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills.

"Robert’s simple idea of collecting toys for children affected by cancer to honor his fellow Scout friend, who was diagnosed with leukemia, has turned into a wonderful gift of joy and human kindness to so many breast cancer patients and their children. There is no better way to see the holiday spirit in action than by helping those in need who are affected by cancer.

"Although Robert has been the driven force behind this effort, he refuses to be acknowledged for his work. He strongly feels that this is a combined effort between him and the other Boy Scouts in his troop. He is a humble young man, which is one of the greatest quality a human being can have. All of these attributes make Robert a kind and compassionate young man who is destined to become a great leader in the future.

"Sincerely,
Dora E. Arias
Founder & Executive Director
Curemonos.org”

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

He does not take credit and does things for the sake of giving.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Robert!

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