ECLC Students Help Bus Crash Victims

Each Spring students at ECLC of New Jersey's school in Ho-Ho-Kus for students with special needs enjoy a friendly competition to raise money through a Penny War.

The goal is to make extra money school activities. This year, the students decided to do something different. They are donating all the money raised to students at the East Brook Middle School in Paramus, who were in a fatal bus crash last month.

"Our students decided to give away money from the Penny Wars to East Brook, instead of using it for themselves," said Principal Vicki Lindorff. "Our philosophy is to help the surrounding community, and this awful tragedy touched so many of our hearts. We thought it was a perfect idea."

About ECLC

Founded in 1970, ECLC stands for "Education, Careers & Lifelong Community" and serves more than 800 children and adults from 11 counties who have special needs, including autism, Down syndrome and multiple disabilities. ECLC is an accredited, nonprofit with two private schools in Ho-Ho-Kus and Chatham, educating nearly 300 students, and offering adult programs and services.

ECLC offers employment services through Community Personnel Services (CPS). Specialists from CPS help adults with disabilities find jobs in their communities and provide ongoing support and advocacy in the workplace. Other graduates may enroll in the P.R.I.D.E. Adult Program, with centers in Florham Park and Paramus. Adults in P.R.I.D.E. spend meaningful days continuing to learn and grow throughout adulthood. The P.R.I.D.E. Program is celebrating it's 10th anniversary this year. Learn more about ECLC.