School supplies giveaway prepares students for 2018-19

MILLERTON — The North East Community Center (NECC) in Millerton helped students from the North East (Webutuck) Central School District prepare for the coming year with a school supplies giveaway on Monday, Aug. 27.

Organized as a collaboration with NECC, Webutuck and the Fajgenbaum family, the idea of  started with the Fajgenbaum family’s connection with NECC. Though the family is originally from Manhattan, they own a residence in Millerton and visit the area frequently. Julie Fajgenbaum said they’ve had an opportunity to witness NECC’s dedication to the community.

“We only came to Millerton in the past year,” she said, “and we became familiar with the good work the NECC does and we met with Jennifer Dowley, so we wanted to help out.”

NECC was provided with lists of school supplies needed for students entering kindergarten through eighth grade. With a wish list of supplies, area residents were provided with items to purchase on Amazon. Organizers also promoted the giveaway by posting information on NECC’s Facebook page, via the NECC newsletter and by emailing the list to friends.

“I think it’s probably easier for students to focus on what they’re learning if they have everything they need,” Fajgenbaum said. “They get to focus on the more important stuff if the little things are taken care of. I think a community helps each other, and I think that’s what the NECC does.”

Before long, countless donors began purchasing items on the wish list and sending them to NECC. Several donors took the time to write notes of encouragement to accompany their gifts. 

“I’m just impressed by everyone’s generosity,” said NECC Counselor Advocate Jessica Raymond. “I’m thrilled that Julie reached out and wanted to be involved with us.”

Located at 51 South Center St. in Millerton, NECC welcomed students and their families on Monday afternoon. By the end of the giveaway, students amassed an assortment of supplies, including composition notebooks, pencils, pens, colored pencils, colored and dry erase markers, crayons, erasers, highlighters, scissors, loose leaf paper, three-ring binders, note cards, zipper pouches, earbuds, paper bags, glue sticks and mini bottles of hand sanitizer.

Raymond suggested that  NECC donate the remaining supplies to the teachers at Webutuck for their supply closets.

NECC now looks forward to turning the giveaway into an annual event.