WALL, NJ — Over 1,000 pumpkins were recently distributed across Wall Township schools as part of an annual community-driven initiative.
For the third year in a row, the Wall Township Education Association (WTEA), in partnership with the Perricone Family Charitable Trust, brought 1,580 pumpkins to five schools across the Wall Township Public School District.
Earlier this month, the Trust purchased pumpkins from a local Monmouth County family farm in Millstone Township and donated them to the district's elementary schools:
With these donations, each school will transform into a festive "Pumpkin Patch," the funding for which will be provided through
PEP grants from the WTEA in conjunction with the NJEA, giving students the chance to select and decorate their own pumpkin to take home and enjoy.
This year's pumpkin drop-offs were scheduled and coordinated by Gene Delutio, Acting Vice President of the WTEA, who worked closely with principals and staff to ensure each school received its pumpkins and that every student had the opportunity to participate.
Wall Township community member Jeff Jannarone served as the main facilitator of the deliveries.
"This partnership truly represents what makes Wall Township special — our community's commitment to working together for our students," said Bob Leach, President of the Wall Township Education Association.
"The Perricone Family Charitable Trust's generosity brought smiles, joy, and a sense of togetherness to our schools for the third straight year," Leach continued. "We are deeply grateful for their kindness and continued support, and to Jeff Jannarone and the Summer Hill Day Camp for helping make it all happen."
The WTEA extended its thanks to Dr. David Bleakley, WTPS Superintendent, for approving the donations; the building principals and building representatives for coordinating the dates; school parent/teacher organizations (such as CAPE at Central Elementary School); and the Cheney Family, owners of the Summer Hill Day Camp, who allowed the pumpkins to be stored on the camp's property while they awaited their scheduled delivery dates.
"This event wasn't just about pumpkins," Gene Delutio said. "It was about creating memories for our students."
"Watching their faces light up as they picked out their own pumpkin is something truly special, and it's a wonderful way to kick off the fall holiday season," he continued. "We are so thankful to everyone who made it possible."
The WTEA also extended its thanks to the Perricone Family Charitable Trust for their generosity and community spirit.
"Acts of kindness such as this demonstrate the powerful impact that collaboration between charitable organizations and
educators can have on students' lives," officials said. "The WTEA and the Perricone Family Charitable Trust look forward to continuing to work together to support Wall Township's students and strengthen the bonds that make this community thrive."
The Trust was founded by Marilyn and Phil Perricone, who lived and raised their family in Wall Township.
Since their passing in 2024, the Executive Trustee has been their son, Robert Imparato, a Wall Township Public Schools graduate, with his daughters Madison and Ainsley serving as co-trustees.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Wall Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.