SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Students at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School have assembled and distributed 400 care kits for people experiencing homelessness in New York City through a student-led Community Service Project with the Red Cross.
Anagha Manjrekar and Akshaj Kalepalli helped lead the student effort through NexGen STEM, which focused on basic hygiene and personal care supplies.
Each kit included a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, wipes, soap bars and menstrual pads.
Manjrekar said they started the project after a difficult winter in New York City.
"We started this project in the spring after seeing how difficult the winter had been for New York City’s homeless population. The record-breaking freezing temperatures made it clear how vulnerable people experiencing homelessness are when they lack consistent access to necessities," said Manjrekar.
She said the need did not end when temperatures rose.
"Even though the weather was improving, the need for hygiene and personal care supplies was still there, and we wanted to help practically," said Manjrekar.
The student chose homelessness as the focus of their project, because "homelessness as our focus because it is such a visible but often overlooked issue, especially in New York City."
The project aimed to support dignity, health, and daily well-being for people who often lack regular access to hygiene products.
The students also said they wanted the project to meet an immediate need while reminding people they had not been forgotten.
The outreach may continue beyond New York City.
Manjrekar said they plan to expand the project to "other cities across the tri-state area that suffer from similar issues: Trenton, Philadelphia."
Asked what the work has meant to them, Manjrekar said, "As simple as it sounds, it feels amazing. It reminds us that helping others doesn’t always have to be complicated or huge to matter. Even something small, like giving someone a care kit, can make a person feel seen, supported, and respected."
People who want to learn more or help with the project can contact anagha.man6@gmail.com or akshaj4you@gmail.com.
Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Bridgewater, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.