Lincoln Kids Raise Funds for Fire Victims

The Jubelt family of Wyckoff face a long road until the life they knew is made whole again, after a fire devastated their Vassar Street home. While the family of four won't be able to replace many of the material possessions lost in the April blaze, the community has been doing its best to offer care, love and support.

That support also has come with monetary assistance, with many raising and donating money to help the parents of twin toddlers. The desire to help isn't lost on some of the youngest members of the community, either, as a walk-a-thon Friday at Lincoln Elementary School raised thousands for the Jubelts.

The fourth- and fifth-graders of the Mason Avenue school completed their community service obligations with a jaunt around the school's field, sponsored with pledges from family and neighbors. The kids, who happily walked for an hour despite the oppressive heat, said they were happy to be able to help a family in need.

"It feels really good," said Caitlyn, a student who raised $100 for the cause.

"It's so sad what happened," said Matt, another Lincoln pupil.

The Jubelts were awakened by a neighbor early on the morning of April 8, whose trouble sleeping could have spared the family physical harm. A deck fire would quickly spread to the attic of 419 Vassar Street, fed by a gas line on the deck, but the Jubelts, their children and two dogs were led to safety by the alert neighbor.

Wyckoff firefighters, with assistance from neighboring departments, tried to battle the blaze from the interior of the home but had to retreat due to the rapidly spreading fire and questionable state of the second floor. They would bring the blaze under control before 5 a.m. that day, but the home was rendered uninhabitable due to extensive damage to the second floor and attic. Today, 419 Vassar is an empty lot, as the home has been razed.

Alex, a Lincoln student who donated $22, said "it's good everyone survived." Many of the kids were especially concerned that the Jubelts have such young children, troubled by the thought of such a devastating tragedy happening to someone they could know.

Getting the kids to think beyond themselves was one of the goals of the walk-a-thon, said Karen Kreckel, a fifth-grade teacher.

"We want to get the kids to think of the importance of giving back," she said.

Kreckel and Principal Dr. Mary Orr said the idea of a walk-a-thon originated among parents and was developed in concert with Board of Health members. Normally, each grade does their own project, but the teachers and kids felt they could have a greater impact by a joint effort among the fourth- and fifth-graders.

"It was a great way to do it," Orr said.

Teachers kept the kids moving, save for occasional stops to be spritzed in the face with water bottles. Many wore iPods enabled with a calorie counting application, allowing the kids to keep track of their impromptu workout. "I burned 220 calories," one girl said.

Most of the students asked for pledges from their parents but others added their own savings to their till. Money raised ranged from $20 to more than $100 among the kids of the two grade levels.

Their efforts far exceeded expectations, as Orr said $3,618.59 was raised as of Friday afternoon. The school hopes to be able to present the Fire Department with a check soon in care of the Jubelts.

Fire Chief David Murphy, who led the efforts to knock down the Vassar blaze, said the walk-a-thon and similar efforts shows the "character of the students, the character of the town."

Such displays of support are "what makes Wyckoff special."

Orr agreed. The principal, who has spent her entire career in Wyckoff, said volunteerism has "been a staple of this community for as long as I can remember.

"It sends a nice message about Wyckoff," said Orr, who was proud of the students' efforts.

The Lincoln kids are only the latest group to raise money for the Jubelts. The efforts include Town Hall employees, who drew a collection shortly after the fire; Ramapo High School, which held a fundraising volleyball tournament this week; and local teenagers Taylor Wolff and Daniel Kim, who solicited donations for the family.

"It's great to see the community outpouring," Murphy said.