Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • April 6, 2011 Emmanuel asks... Can You Help? Our hat’s off to Cal McNulty of Ridgewood who collected gift cards for his ninth birthday. Thanks to Midland Park High School and to Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff for their incredible food collections. We also thank Girl Scout Troop 1388 of Glen Rock who paid us a visit. They included Annaliese, Jenna, Lily, Samantha, Bernadette, Katie, Caroline, Elizabeth, and Samara. Great job, everyone! Keith was diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma on Sept. 9, 2010. That December, Keith became very ill and slipped into a coma. He was transferred from Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, where his family lived, to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. Keith never woke up from the coma and, on March 3, he passed away at the age of four. Keith was one of four children, and his mom is raising her children as a single 4-29-09 karen/janine from their father. mother following a divorce Mom spent every day riding the EmmanuelHelp2x.75(4-29-09) buses to get from Paterson to New York City so she could be with Keith. 3 x .75 drop her other children off at school in the She would morning, take the bus to New York City, return to collect the kids from school and, some days, would then return to the hospital so her other children could attend a support group there. She only left Keith’s side when she needed to be available for her other children. Mom was very worried that Keith would wake up and she wouldn’t be there, so she did whatever she could to be there for him as much as she possibly could. Keith’s illness, lengthy hospital stay, and his passing have been indescribably difficult for this family. Keith’s siblings are confused about what happened and are afraid they will get sick and die. Mom struggles to pay her rent and provide for her children because she has not been able to work since Keith became ill. This family has a very limited support system as many of their extended family members and friends live very far away. This family needs new clothes for the three surviving children. There is no money to buy new clothing for them, and they have not had anything new for a long time. Their clothes from last spring/summer no longer fit, and warmer weather is coming. Although she would never ask for anything for herself, only for her children, Mom is also is in need of new clothing. Gift cards to clothing stores or spring/summer clothing donations would mean so much to this family. They are in need of girls’ clothing, size 7 (there are two girls, aged six and seven) and boy’s clothing, size 4-5T (for a three-year old). Mom is a size small/petite. The family would also benefit from household goods and appliances. They especially need silverware, a computer table/desk, a vacuum, and a blender. ECF will use your financial support for families like Keith’s to help pay rent, utilities, and to cover the costs of funeral expenses. Meanwhile, ECF will continue to provide support for this family through food pantry deliveries, counseling, and helping the family locate support groups and kids’ programs for Keith’s siblings. We currently have 16 families receiving eight to 10 bags of food every month. Please help us fill our pantry with non-perishable items. We also appreciate grocery gift cards help our families. Our volunteers deliver food and other goods to many homes in the region. We are currently looking for food drivers who are willing to drive to Bergen and Essex counties. A background check is required. Consider making an Easter basket for one of our families. These baskets will go out with our April food deliveries. Think about having a Mother’s Day Tea in our honor. Invite your family and friends and ask them to make a contribution to our program. We can even help supply the tea and goodies. Our next big event: We are pleased to announce the return of our popular fun-filled weekend event, the Fine Art & Crafts Show, with artwork, sculpture, jewelry, and all kinds of crafts. It will be held at its usual location, McBride Field on Franklin Lake Road (across from Market Basket), in Franklin Lakes, on Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15 from 10 to 5. Admission is free; however a $2 donation per person is suggested. Please call Mary Ellen Marra of Premiere Productions LLC at (201) 857-3930 for a vendor application. We are in need of gently used clothes in the following sizes: girls 5-7 and 10-12; boys 12-14. Many of our families also need new sheets and towels of all sizes. We also need a few air conditioners with a minimum of 10,000 BTUs. Please contact us before bringing them to our Midland Park office. Thank you. We rely on our local community to help support our families. Many of them do not have the financial or emotional support to help them get through a major illness like cancer. Please remember: We do not charge anything for our services. We rely on you! Approximately 70 cents from every dollar you donate goes towards direct care for our families. If you have a few hours to spare, consider becoming a volunteer or just stop by and meet with us, take a look at our pantry, and see what ECF is all about. Volunteers are welcome to assist on Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. Call us at (201) 612-8118 before you stop by. Please do not leave items at the center without checking with us first. Our storage space is limited. The Northern Regional Center is located at 174 Paterson Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Visit us online at: www.emmanuelcancer.org. As always, thank you for helping the children and their families! On Sunday, April 10, world-famous bassist Rufus Reid and his combo will be featured at the 5 p.m. Jazz Vespers worship service held in the chapel at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Located at the corner of Rock Road and Ackerman Rufus Reid to play at Jazz Vespers Avenue, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is currently celebrating its eleventh season of Vespers in the Key of Jazz. Jazz Vespers is a worship service featuring jazz music by noted jazz musicians. All members of the community are welcome. FOR RENT Championship Golf, Tennis, No Crowds On Fripp Island, South Carolina Waterfront house on Fripp Island, SC (near historic Beaufort and Parris Island). Ranch style with extended large deck overlooking the ocean and own beach access, screened porch, 4 BR, 2½ baths, full kitchen, great room with fireplace. Satellite TV, internet, wash/dryer and gas grill. Sleeps 8-10. In gated community featuring 2 championship golf courses, tennis, marina and more. 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