May 2, 2023
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER) – On April 28, the Sharon School Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Sharon School Student Council along with Sharon Elementary School hosted their fifth-annual “Sharon Shines” event, a day of service-learning in which the entire school supported several nonprofits in our local community.
Across the 54 PreK – 4th grade classrooms, excitement and engagement were felt by the 1,000 student participants, 79 parent volunteers, and members of the Robbinsville Town Council and Board of Education. All students learned about 13 local nonprofits in the community through an engaging video and lesson plan.
During the interactive piece of the lesson, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade constructed 359 snack bags to be delivered to the local organizations. Second Grade wrapped 2,150 utensils in napkins. The Third and Fourth Grades created 217 activity bags and 209 cards.
Danielle Liegl, Sharon PTA’s President, explained: “Sharon Shines is an incredible program that introduces the students of Sharon Elementary to philanthropy. Not only does it aim to educate the students, but it also provides hands-on experience. This shows that no matter the age, one person can make a difference.”
This year’s event benefitted the Robbinsville Senior Center, Robbinsville Meals on Wheels, Rose Hill Assisted Living, Project Freedom Inc., HomeFront, ONE Project, Be Kind, Shine and Inspire, Inc., Mercer Street Friends Preschool, Better Beginnings Child Development Center, NJ Rise, JFCS of Greater Mercer County and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
Celeste Albert, the Sharon Shines Coordinator, expressed appreciation to the Sharon School community for donating more than 6,000 items included in the snack and activity bags. A special thanks to the Sharon Elementary Faculty, Sharon School Student Council, Sharon Shines Committee, Parent Volunteers and Master Peter’s Ama and Bright Vision for being donation drop-off locations.
Dr. Nicole Bootier, Sharon School Principal, said: “Sharon Shines is a great opportunity for our students to learn about local nonprofit organizations right here in our community. We are grateful for our partnership with our PTA and students and staff enjoyed participating in such an authentic learning experience.”
A group of mixed grade levels showing their artwork for the community
Students assembled utensil packets.
Students detail the work they did through the Sharon Shines event.
Artwork made for local community partners.