March 12, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 19 Midland Park Small gestures make huge impact for students Those with plenty of warm socks in the dresser drawer may never give a second thought to these humble articles of clothing – but just imagine trying to get through a cold, snowy winter without them! With that unsettling thought in mind, Highland School in Midland Park recently collected socks to benefit the Hoboken Shelter. The event culminated with Crazy Sock Day, when students were encouraged to wear “crazy” socks to school. This event was held at the end of February, the month the school dedicated to the character trait of com- passion. Each month of the school year is dedicated to the explo- ration of a different character trait. This effort is part of the school’s character education program. Highland School Principal Danielle Bache explained that students watched the YouTube video, “Young Baseball Fan’s Act of Generosity,” which demonstrates how a small gesture can make a huge impact. The students then shared a time they showed compassion to someone and described how they felt. “Helping others also makes you feel good!” Bache emphasized, adding that students quickly learned this important lesson. Guidance Counselor Kelly Scala suggested the sock col- lection as a means of showing compassion for others. Scala has been a volunteer at the Hoboken Shelter for many years, and knows that a simple pair of socks can make a signifi- cant difference to someone in need. Students were urged to think about how insignificant a pair of socks seems, and then think about what it would be like to go through the winter without them. The Hoboken Shelter provides warmth to 50 people nightly, along with food, counseling, job skills, and life training. White socks are at the top of the shelter’s list of needs. Every student was asked to bring in one pair of white socks to donate. “The students at Highland School were given two weeks to purchase a pair of socks,” Scala explained. “I figured that if every child in grades three through six could donate a pair of socks, our school could contribute about 400 pairs. Based on past fundraisers, I thought this goal was attainable. However, the children at Highland School did not contribute the estimated 400 pairs of socks. Instead, they exceeded my expectations by an additional 282 pairs of socks, totaling 682 pairs. Clearly, when I set the original goal, I was not taking into consideration the extreme com- passion and generosity of the Midland Park community. “The shelter was overwhelmed by the idea that this incredible donation was the work of children -- children with kind, caring hearts. Clearly, these children have learned the importance of giving from their parents.” Scala thanked the parents for setting a positive example for their children, and for their support with the fundraiser, adding, “I am so thankful to be able to work with your chil- dren and be a part of this very special community.” (Editor’s Note: Due to a production error, this article was omitted from the March 5, 2014 edition.) CAA donates pet oxygen masks Joseph Henderson, captain; Jerry Boucicaut, firefighter/EMT; Manuel Rivera, captain; Rocky; Peter LoBosco, captain; Mary Tiritilli, EMS supervisor; Michael Fleming, deputy chief; Adrian Evans, firefighter/EMT); Daniel Alcala, firefighter/EMT); Rafael Chavez, firefighter/EMT; David Van Tassel, firefighter/EMT; and Vincent Auteri, firefighter/EMT. (Photo courtesy of CAA.) Anthony and Claudia Addamo of Midland Park recently donated a set of pet oxygen masks to the Paterson Fire Department on behalf of Companion Animal Advocates. The pair donated in honor of their recent nuptials and in memory of their cat Cliff. The masks come in three sizes for large, medium, and small animals. These specially sized masks will enable first responders to deliver oxygen to pets in need and, in some cases, save their lives. “People care as deeply about their pets as they do human members of their family,” said Christine Devereaux, vice president of Companion Animal (continued on page 27)