$25K Grant Supports Wall Students & Families In Need During Holiday Season

WALL, NJ — The Wall Township Education Association (WTEA) and Perricone Family Charitable Trust recently joined forces to ensure that nearly 150 students in the Wall Township Public School District are supported this holiday season.

The Perricone Family Charitable Trust, chaired by Wall Township High School Class of 1989 alumnus Rob Imparato, with the assistance of lifelong friend and classmate Jeff Jannarone, has more than doubled its commitment to local students from last year by donating $25,000 in grant funding, officials said.

Using these funds, the WTEA purchased gift cards for students and families experiencing economic hardship who would benefit from additional support during the holiday season.

In partnership with the district’s Wellness Team (including Director of Wellness Tiffany Steiner, K-12 school counselors, school nurses, and members of the Child Study Team), these professionals have served as liaisons between the WTEA and families to ensure that support is provided thoughtfully, respectfully, and with privacy.

"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this generosity and inspired by the level of collaboration that has gone on here to support students and families in need in our school community," WTEA President Bob Leach said. "This collaboration, this shared commitment, represents the best of who we are as a community and as stakeholders in the school district during this holiday season."

Dr. Tracy Handerhan, the Wall Township Public School District’s Superintendent of Schools, expressed her appreciation for the partnership as well, describing the collaboration as a “wonderful illustration of the compassion and strength in this community.”

"I am so grateful to the Perricone Trust Foundation for their extremely generous donation and for their partnering with the WTEA to support WTPS families in need,” Handerhan said. “This is such a wonderful illustration of the compassion and strength in this community."

In addition to supporting families, district officials said this initiative complements other student-led efforts in the district, including Project Snowflake at Wall High School – a student-run program primarily organized by peer leaders and National Honor Society (NHS) members.

At Project Snowflake, students focus on raising funds and providing financial aid, gift cards, and support to fellow students and families in need within the school community, especially during the holidays.

Participants create and sell handmade snowflakes, with proceeds going directly to help their peers with basic necessities and holiday assistance, officials said.

"Project Snowflake is forever grateful for the incredible village that continues to stand beside our families in need,” said Danielle Lucas, Wall High School peer leader advisor, Project Snowflake founder and WTEA member. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the Perricone Family Charitable Trust, Wall High School staff and administration, students and former students, parents, the National Honor Society, Student Council, Peer Leaders, the Life Skills class, the Wall PBA Local No. 234, the Township of Wall employees, the Glendola Fire Company #1, Wall Township community members, local businesses, neighboring community members, and our friends and families.”

“Your continued generosity, compassion, and unwavering support renew our faith in humanity year after year,” Lucas continued. “Because of you, our students and their families are reminded that they are seen, supported, and never alone. You are truly making a lasting difference in so many lives."

Going forward, Leach emphasized the WTEA’s commitment to supporting its 535 members and serving the school community as a whole, as well as working with the Perricone Family Charitable Trust, which was established by Phil and Marilyn Perricone, who resided in Wall Township for over 40 years and passed away in 2024.

"We are deeply honored to partake in this endeavor and look forward to a robust partnership with Rob, his daughter Madi, Jeff, and all involved at the Perricone Family Charitable Trust to provide for our most vulnerable and dear students and their families,” Leach said.

Today, the Perricones' legacy of philanthropy and community service continues through their son, Rob Imparato, and their granddaughter, Madi, who share their passion for giving back.

"My mother and stepfather, Marilyn and Phil Perricone, lived in Wall Township for over 40 years, and upon their passing, I was honored to take over operation of the charitable trust in Wall Township and throughout Monmouth County," Imparato said.

"In particular, this is special to my family, and I know that in these uncertain economic times that every little bit helps,” he continued. “It is my pleasure and my utmost civic duty to present this gift from our family to the district's students, in the hope that it will brighten the holidays for families and their children."

To learn more about the Wall Township Education Association, you can visit their website.