Community Corner

Watchung Hills Students Team Up To Help Homeless Amid Pandemic

The students put together a donation drive for the Homefirst Homeless Shelter in Plainfield​.

WARREN, NJ — Watchung Hills Regional High School students teamed up to help the homeless amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Alexandra (Lexi) Jacobson, president of the WHRHS freshman class, along with school council members and friends Lara Martin, John Williams, and Dimitri Hirshman put together a donation drive for the Homefirst Homeless Shelter in Plainfield.

"I really wanted us to put an event like this together because the people at the homeless shelter need supplies now more than ever. I wanted to continue impacting and helping others, especially during this time," Jacobson said.

Find out what's happening in Warrenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

They called up the shelter, got a list of items that they were most in need of, and posted about it all around town. They then designed posters, hung them up around town, and posted them all over social media.

"We really wanted to help the community and show that we can help each other, even during times like these," said Jacobson.

Find out what's happening in Warrenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The group held two drives at the Mt.Bethal Firehouse in Warren in June which garnered a ton of donations from the community.

"Donating to the homeless shelter seemed like a practical thing to do in these times. Everyone is struggling right now, but especially the homeless. This program will benefit those in need, and it is my mission is to make this an annual project for the class of 2023 GLC," said Hirshman.

"Being kind to others gives me the satisfaction of a lifetime," said Williams.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.