Manchester Students Beautify Children's Memorial Garden

MANCHESTER, NJ — A group of Manchester Township students gave up their gym and recess recently to help clean up the Children's Memorial Garden at Winding River Park in Toms River.

About 40 students, members of the Manchester Township High School Habitat for Humanity Club and Interact Club joined with students from Manchester Township Elementary School Junior Impact Club for the cleanup work.

The students learned about the Memorial Garden from one of the founding fathers, who told students his story and about his child, who was the first paver to be placed in the Memorial Garden years ago.

Students also worked side by side with The Compassionate Friends organization to beautify the grounds.

The Ocean County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, one of the largest chapters in the state, dedicated the garden built on property designated by Toms River Township for its use to honor the memories of children who died too soon.

Manchester Schools have since adopted parts of the garden and the district's students help to maintain the grounds.

The Compassionate Friends is a national nonprofit, self-help support organization that offers friendship, understanding and hope to families who are grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause.

The meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at St. Luke Church, 1674 Ols Freehold Road, Toms River.