After completing the class novel 100 Dresses, second graders at JKHA discussed the lessons they gleaned from the novel. The main character is a poor girl who wears the same shabby dress every day but boasts about the hundred dresses she has lined up in her closet. The readers later found out that these dresses are just beautiful drawings of dresses. The story and the lessons in the book were ultimately about being a good friend and standing up for those in need.

In line with JKHA/RKYHS values of “Make a Difference” and “Connect to Torah,” the second graders decided that they would like to take action and help others less fortunate by working on a school wide, collaborative clothing drive. Working together with the RKYHS Homeless Awareness Chug, the second graders, along with the high school students, brainstormed ideas for flyers, posters and ways to publicize the upcoming clothing drive. The students then hung their posters all around the school to raise awareness for students to bring in clothes, and especially warm winter gear, to donate.

The RKYHS Homeless Awareness Chug will distribute the clothing on December 22 in Newark to those in need.