Mendham Third-Graders Parlay Parade Float Into Sandy Relief

Third-graders at Mendham Township Elementary worked with their siblings to design a float that was used in the annual Brookside Fourth of July Parade celebration.

However, the joint effort from both Kevin O’Keefe and Jenna Peluso's homeroom classes also had the benefit of raising funds for those hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.

All ideas originated from both classes during their Social Studies lessons during the last few days of school.

Students created signs stating “Hurricane Sandy cannot defeat us,” “Brookside is Jersey Strong” and “Stronger than the Storm.”

A special compilation of songs from NJ musicians played while the children walked the parade route. In addition, students created a poem to help raise money for the Sandy Relief Efforts.

“Sandy had no invitation
 To ruin our nation
 But you can make a donation
To save our nation!”

While some students walked around the crowd collecting donations, other students handed out salt water taffy with a note attached to it to go www.sandynjrelieffund.org to donate money to help those still in need.

A total of $80 has been raised so far.

Participants not included in the picture: Bailey Duchene, Aidan and Gavin Hassan, Tassia Konidaris, Connor and Caitlyn Malmberg, and Deirdre Thompson.