Matawan Teen Shows Appreciation to U.S. Troops Through Community Service

Community service and leadership are two qualities that have become central to 17-year-old Matawan resident Joseph Sanfratello, who is a senior at Christian Brothers Academy (CBA).

As a recipient of a scholarship in honor of Dennis Zilinksi II, Army 1st Lt. who was killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb in 2005, Sanfratello is charged with running a service event each year that benefits the U.S. Military. This year, he will run two.

"I feel that we should show our respect and gratitude to our service men and women," Sanfratello said. "Christian Brothers is very big on community service. It's kind of been instilled on me to help others."

During his freshman year, Sanfratello began a sports equipment and toiletry drive for members of the military serving overseas. The goal is to collect new or used sports equipment, like soccer balls, footballs, mits and baseballs and other items that will give soldiers a way to relax and have fun while satisfying their need for personal items such as deodorant or toothpaste.

"The idea behind that was that during their downtime, they could throw around a football or kick around a soccer ball to relieve stress," Sanfratello said. "It's a very stressful situation over there."

CBA Junior Thomas Vergiglione began co-sponsoring the event with Sanfratello last year, which Sanfratello said he is grateful for. He hopes to see the fundraiser continue after he graduates. Sanfratello and Vergiglione also recieve help from fellow members of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

Sanfratello joined SADD as a freshman, and took over as president of the student organization this year. He also took the lead on another benefit for U.S. troops, run by 2011 CBA Graduate Donald Evans, which he had been helping with since his freshman year.

The benefit is the fifth annual Italian style pasta dinner on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in the CBA cafeteria. The cost is $15 for adults, and $10 for students. The anticipate a large crowd filled with community members and CBA alumni, but Sanfratello said he wants everyone to know that all are welcome.

The proceeds from the dinner go toward purchasing calling cards for the troops, which allows them to call home during the holiday and speak to their families and loved ones.

They have solicited pasta and food donations from several local businesses, including Angelo's in Matawan, which is owned by Sanfratello's father.

"[This experience] has taught me to give back to the community and the importance of helping others," Sanfratello said. "It's strengthened me spiritually."

If you are interested in donating, please contact Bill Frake, the moderator of SADD, at wfrake@cbalincroftnj.org. Monetary donations are also welcome and checks can be made to CBA SADD.