Help Westfield Custodian Purchase Wheelchair Ramp For Daughter

WESTFIELD, NJ — His friendliness, positivity and kindness has earned him respect, praise and a literal award from the community. Now, Westfield High School custodian Mario Aranas is hoping some of that comes back to him in form of financial assistance for his wheelchair-bound daughter.

"His oldest daughter is wheelchair-bound and has grown too big at the age of 18 for her mother to lift her into the car," said Douglas Manning, who started a GoFundMe page for the Aranas family. "Mario’s family desperately needs a wheelchair ramp for her."

The cost for the ramp can run between $3,000 and $5,000, Manning posted to the fundraiser page.

Sara Liptack, a teacher at Westfield High School, said Aranas is always there for the community and and now is the time so support him.

"I can't begin to tell you how many meaningful interactions I've see him have with our students," Liptack posted to social media. "Let's do this Westfield."

Councilman Mark LoGrippo also posted to Facebook about Aranas.

"Please consider supporting our own WHS custodian, Mario," LoGrippo said. "Every dollar counts."

Aranas and his contributions to the school community were honored in May when he was given an award.

For his “positive attitude” and “friendly” demeanor, Arana was honored in May with the Robert and Linda Foose Memorial Award, named for a former principal and teacher. “Great work. Greater person,” said one letter of nomination. “He always talks to the students and makes my and others’ day,” said another.

"If you are a student at Westfield High School you probably do, and if you are a parent, you would be lucky to know him," Manning said. "Mario is a custodian at Westfield High School, but he is so much more than that. Behind the scenes, Mario is our mentor, guide, and advisor. He keeps us on the straight and narrow and encourages us all to do our best. He influences our decisions to stay clean and healthy without drugs."

Manning said that those who don't know Aranas should take the time to meet him.

"Mario has helped us through hard times when we can’t share our troubles with our parents. Mario always has our back," Manning said. "Please help me raise this money for Mario. He is someone who works hard to keep our school clean, but more importantly is a mentor to help us cope in our teenage years."

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