Staff and students from Ocean Township High School’s class of 2025 collected donations for canvas bags filled with supplies for patients going through chemotherapy treatment.
By DENISE HERSCHEL
Recognizing that kindness counts, the Ocean Township High School Class of 2025 initiated the Chemo Care Package project recently as part of their philanthropic goal for the 2023-2024 school year.
As part of their effort to help people in the community currently being treated in the oncology department of local hospitals, the class collected donations to fill canvas bags with supplies for patients going through chemotherapy treatment.
“Each canvas bag included donated items essential to the patient- cozy socks, hand sanitizer, chap stick, crossword puzzles, pencils, granola bars, tissues, a water bottle with hydration packet and playing cards. A Care Card was enclosed in each bag as well,” Fran Burke, Ocean Township Township schools community information officer, said.
Class advisor Dina Kowaliwsky said, “I am so humbled by the generosity of our OTHS students, families, faculty, staff and community members. This project would not have been as impactful without everyone’s kindness and help. I am proud of the commitment of the class officers that had this idea and worked hard, actively engaged to benefit others fighting for their lives.”
The project became a collaborative effort between the OTHS community and the local community which helped make the project such a success, she said.
Adam Johnson, class of 2025, said, “I am amazed with how many chemo care packages we put together and very grateful to support a cause that is so meaningful to my family. ”
Burke said the project became much bigger than the students anticipated due to the involvement of so many people in the district and local community.
“Through their generous donations, many more patients were able to receive chemo care packages than the students originally hoped.” she said. “This project went well beyond the walls of the high school.”