Students, Staff At Somerset County VoTech Send Supplies To Hurricane Zones

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Staff at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS) jumped into action to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton.

Shortly after Hurricane Helene devastated communities in North Carolina, retired SCVTHS chemistry teacher Tom Driscoll, who now lives in western North Carolina, reached out to his old school. He had witnessed first-hand the destruction in his community and shared stories of the incredible losses his neighbors have suffered.

"Tom sent an email describing the extent of the devastation, and said that we were only seeing a small portion of what is really happening on TV. So we decided to reach out to the SCVTHS community to see what we could to help," said Special Education teacher Kristen McNerney.

McNerney and fellow Special Education teacher Janeen Sortor, along with History Teacher Ed Graf, Health Occupations teacher Kim Vasaturo, and Academic Supervisor Randee Holz, jumped into action. Within a very short time, they saw an incredible response.

Students, faculty, and staff, along with community members and organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, and Weichert Realtors, began donating cash and a variety of items.

Even as donations poured in for Hurricane Helene relief, Hurricane Milton took aim at Florida. The collection effort expanded, and due to the response of the SCVTHS community, supplies will be sent to provide assistance to victims of both storms.

Graf’s classroom became the collection point for household cleaning items, baby supplies, toiletries, shelf-stable food items, towels, blankets and many other items that victims of the hurricane will need.

His students have been sorting and preparing the items for delivery, filling multiple large plastic totes. Among the items are a number of stuffed animals, reflecting the desire of students to hopefully provide some comfort to the storms’ youngest victims.

Holz is impressed, but not surprised, by the response.

"It says something about the climate and culture here at SCVTHS. In times of crisis, when we see people who are hurting, we all come together – students, faculty, staff - to support those in need," she said.