Lacey Township High School Helps to 'Provide for the Pride'

Several student groups at Lacey Township High School, in conjunction with the local community, all contributed to the ongoing cause of relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Sandy with their “Provide for the Pride” fundraiser on Sunday.

The event directly benefited a pair of local outreach organizations — the Lacey Food Bank and the Lacey United Methodist Church — both of whom have been very active in serving the community’s needs since Hurricane Sandy came ashore. Donations to both groups were being readily accepted at “Provide for the Pride”.

“We’re here to support what the kids are doing. Some of them are members of our church, and we’re grateful to be seeing what they’re doing,” said Pastor Linda Applegate of the United Methodist Church.

Local EMS, Scouting groups and other organizations set up shop in the hallways of the high school, accepting donations for the relief effort and speaking with members of the public.

Also helping to coordinate the event was the student-run school television network, WLTS-21, which would televise the fundraiser to the local community. Student Government Association Secretary and WLTS co-manager Steven Krawiec devised the idea of “Provide for the Pride” just last week.

Krawiec was thrilled at the large turnout and how well everything came together in that brief time period.

“We’ve invited every group in school, every local church to come here today,” said Krawiec. The Lacey Marching Lions, the school dance team and the competitive cheerleaders performed.

Krawiec extended his gratitude to all members of the Lacey community for helping to make the “Provide for the Pride” a rousing success.

At 4 p.m., the New Jersey State Police’s SouthStar Helicopter landed on the high school’s football field. After the landing, the public had the opportunity to chat with the flight crew and get an up close and personal look at the vehicle. According to the NJSP, the SouthStar is used for medevac operations.

Telecommunications student and WLTS news anchor Harry Wolansky Jr. explained that his father, Harry Wolansky Sr., is an officer with the New Jersey State Police and coordinated the appearance of the SouthStar at “Provide for the Pride”.

“It’s only one of five helicopters that the state police have, and it flies out of Hammonton Airport,” said Wolansky Jr.

WLTS cameraman Paul Toth commented that it was a great idea to have the helicopter make an appearance at the event.

Wolansky Sr. referred to SouthStar as a “top-of-the-line Augusta chopper” and “state of the art.”

“We also use the helicopter for public relations and charity events. Of course, its availability depends on whether it will be needed for use that day,” said Wolansky Sr.

SouthStar pilot and Lacey Township resident Sgt. Joe Vinci explained that in addition to Hammonton Airport, the craft also flies out of Trenton Airport.

“The interior is configured for different missions, usually it can seat 12 inside,” said Vinci. “Its counterpart NorthStar flies out of Bedminster.”

Mayor Mark Dykoff was delighted to attend the event and see how the community rallied together to help those in need in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

“This is a fantastic example of Lacey Township coming together to take care of their own,” Dykoff said.

For more information, contact wlts@laceyschools.org or call 609-971-5881.

Urgent needs for the church and food bank are as follows:

Lacey United Methodist Church

The church is no longer collecting supplies, clothing or food due to an overabundance of donations. If you would like to donate supplies, clothing or food, call 609-693-5222. The Church is developing a list of items to be donated on an as needed basis. The Lacey United Methodist Church is collecting monetary donations and gift cards.

Lacey Food Bank

FOOD: Non-refrigerated Milk...think small size boxes of Parmalat or Evaporated Milk and similar products until all refrigeration is restored as this product is shelf stable until opened, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Hearty Soups and Stews and Chili's, Ready Made Spaghetti Sauces, Pasta/Macaroni and Mac n Cheese. Heater meals are especially welcomed. These are available at camping/sporting type stores.

CLEANING SUPPLIES: Large trash bags, cleaning aids like bleach, Pine Sol, Lysol etc, 5 gal cleaning buckets, masks, heavy work type gloves, latex gloves, paper towels, twine and duct tape. Brooms, shovels, rakes, utility knives are also welcomed.

FIRST AID & PERSONAL ITEMS: First Aid Kits, band aids, peroxide, alcohol, gauze, sterile tape, sterile gauze pads and other first aid supplies like bacitracin and other antibiotic creams. Hand sanitizer and personal hygiene kits (containing enough basics to get someone through the first week or so of back home...small toothpaste, toothbrush, disposable razor, shampoo, soap, deodorant, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, comb, cotton balls/Q-Tips etc)

OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS: All new unopened packages please...Aspirin, Tylenol, Child Strength Tylenol/Motrin, Vitamin C tabs, Cough lozenges, Eye drops, Gummy Vitamins, diabetic testing supplies, Tums, thermometers etc

HOUSEHOLD: Heavy-duty disposable dishes/bowls, cutlery, MANUAL can openers, napkins, hot & cold cups, zip lock gallon size baggies.