Ex-Paramus Teacher Hopes Letters Brighten Victims' Lives

PARAMUS, NJ — A former teacher has launched a letter-writing campaign to brighten the lives of East Brook Middle School students.

Cindy Dugan taught at Ridge Ranch School until this year, and her kids attend East Brook. 12She has kept in contact with people from the school. So when she found out about the fatal bus crash last week, she knew she had to do something.

"Everyone is just numb and devastated," Dugan said. "I know that the cards and letters will bring smiles to our kids' faces so I'm going to do whatever I can to help cover those walls with love."

Dugan owns Pinot's Palette's, a wine and painting studio in Hackettstown.

Letters can be sent to Pinot's Palette, 1885 State Route 57, Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840. Dugan will then give the cards to East Brook Principal Thomas LoBue, who will arrange their distribution.

Two people, student Miranda Faith Vargas, 10, and teacher Jennifer Williamson-Kennedy, 51, were killed in the crash. Another student, Sofia Evelich, remains in critical condition with serious head trauma. She and 42 others were wounded.

The cards are just one way people have expressed their support for East Brook and the greater Paramus community since the crash.

Thousands of dollars have been donated to three GoFundMe campaigns since the crash. Nearly $90,000 has been donated to help pay for Vargas' funeral. More than $18,100 has been donated to one for Evelich. More than $35,000 was donated to a campaign started by the school's 1997 alumni class; $35,000 has been given to a campaign to help East Brook. Nearly $8,700 has been given in another campaign to help the victim's families.

People left flowers, candles, and handwritten notes below signs at East Brook Friday morning.

Hundreds of people filled Our Lady of The Visitation Sunday night for a memorial service in memory of Vargas and Williamson-Kennedy.

• Paramus Girl Still Critical Following School Bus Crash
• GoFundMe Campaign Launched To Help East Brook Middle School
• Memorial Created At East Brook Middle School Following Deaths
• Paramus Community Mourns Dedicated Teacher Killed In Crash
• Teacher, Student Confirmed Dead In Paramus Field Trip Bus Crash
• Community Starts #ParamusStrong Hashtag In Wake Of Fatal Crash

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