Aberdeen, NJ – Children helping children is an invaluable lesson that is taught at Home Away From Home Academy. Each year the school participates in a Toy Drive to benefit a local organization. For the third year in a row, their efforts are being geared toward the “Hope for Children Foundation” based in Middletown, NJ. Owner of the Academy, Phyllis Visone says, “Having a child go out to purchase a toy for another child in need is one of the best ways to embrace the holiday season, in our eyes.” This year the Hope for Children toy drive will directly benefit local families in need, as well as, patients at The Valerie Center.
In past toy drives the school was recognized for its plentiful collection of items, collecting over 600 toys each year. Carmine S. Visone, co-owner, says “the most important thing here is teaching the children that it is just as important to give as it is to receive.” Some of the items they collect include: stuffed animals, coloring books, arts and crafts supplies, puzzles, sports items, and more. The Toy Drive started in mid-November, and will run through December 11th when the ‘elves’ of “Hope for Children” picked up what they collected. The effort put forth by the Academy to help others is truly inspiring, and their work will continue to assist a charity during the holiday season every year. For the first time this year, the school has partnered with ProForm Physical Therapy on Route 34 in Aberdeen. ProForm Physical Therapy will collect toys for the Hope for Children Foundation from their patients, and other respected colleagues. Dr. Lenny Somarriba, said, “When Carmine and Phyllis approached us to join them in this holiday giving effort, we immediately put out our toy box for collections; we were happy to help such a great cause”.
Hope for Children Foundation began in 2002 with a group of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and parents in Monmouth County working together to raise funds with the end result of making a significant positive difference in the lives of children. On an annual basis, Hope for Children Foundation identifies charitable organizations and individuals that will benefit from their fundraising efforts. Past beneficiaries have included K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Arc of Monmouth County, Prevention 1st, YMCA, Monmouth Medical Center and more.
Home Away From Home Academy is an accredited private school located on the borders of Aberdeen and Holmdel for over twenty years serving infants through second grade. The Academy has been noted for its outstanding philanthropic commitment in charitable giving not only through Hope for Children, but also, Cinderella’s Closet, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties. The Visones are thankful that “the generosity of the parents in the school make all of this possible”. For more information on Home Away From Home Academy, please call 732-290-0033 or visit www.hafha.com.