Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • August 10, 2011 Special thanks to Justin, Cynthia, and Christopher Hadler of Allendale for bringing us their amazing book collection. We know our kids will enjoy reading each and every book, just as the Hadlers did. Help David: Seven-year old David lives in Bergen County with his parents, grandmother, and three siblings. When he was just nine months old, he was diagnosed with cancer in both of his eyes. David has been in and out of treatment for the past six years, and had to have one of his eyes removed. Although he is managing with a prosthetic eye and corrective glasses, he was diagnosed with a secondary cancer and suffers from kidney damage. He recently had a round of chemotherapy that made him very ill. As a result of years of dealing with surgery, treatments, and running back and forth to a variety of hospitals, David’s parents are struggling financially. Mom recently took a part-time job to help supplement their limited income, but they are falling behind in their rent. ECF has been providing David’s family with groceries, holiday and birthday gifts for David and his siblings, and ongoing counseling. They are still in need of a mobile phone with minutes for mom and new eyeglasses for David. Please help us help this family. Your contribution to ECF will ensure that we can continue to best meet their needs, and ensure a brighter future for this child who has gone through so much. Each month, we distribute about 140 bags of food to our families. You can help us fill our pantry. When you go grocery shopping and something non-perishable is on sale, please buy some extra items and drop them off for our families. ECF uses monetary contributions to cover the costs associated with providing free services to any New Jersey child who has cancer. Approximately 70 cents from every dollar goes towards direct care for our families. If your company has a charitable giving program, please let us know. We are excited about joining our new friends at the Ridgewood Art Institute for our next big event: a November wine and cheese reception. We are also planning our Second Annual Bash, which will be held in early February. Call us if you would like to get involved. We are looking for volunteers to help us plan. It doesn’t matter if you work full-time or if you are a stay-at-home mom or dad. We just need a few hours of your time. Do you like to plan parties? Do you have experience in marketing or event planning? If you are interested, please call us. ECF is seeking bilingual caseworkers all over the state. Do you know someone who might be able to help? This is a paid contractual position. You can help in a variety of other ways. Consider turning your next event into a fundraiser for ECF, and ask guests to bring checks or gift cards to be used by our families. Your efforts help us to help families like David’s in many ways, including sending a caseworker to visit the families at home or in the hospital. This support for the kids, their siblings, and parents is crucial. Kids are welcome to help, too. Many have held sales (continued on page 16) Our hat’s off to: Girl Scout Troop 1202 from Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Franklin Lakes. Marlene Griffin and her fellow troop leaders came to our rescue by hosting a Food Drive and fundraiser. Thanks, girls! The troop included Gabby Cali; Heidi, Aimee, and Maria Hannoush, who were assisted by their brother Joey; Haley Griffin and her sister Carly; Julia Helliesen; and Hannah and Gracie Velarde. Moms who assisted were Terry Velarde, Maria Helliesen, and Gretchen Hannoush. These girls brought in a ton of food for our pantry and raised almost $400 for us. They are working on their Bronze Award. The residents of Pine, Joan, and Drake streets in Wyckoff got very creative this summer. Renee Fagan approached several neighbors and formed a committee with Nancy Canova, Elaine Canto, Claire Giachino, and Jan Grogan. They canvassed the neighborhood, and found there was tremendous interest in having a block party. The women then sent out an e-mail, saying the party would also be a charitable event. They asked each household for donations to be used for the event and for a charitable contribution for ECF. Over 30 families attended the event. They raised almost $200 for us and had a great time at their party. What an original idea! Thank you!