Students from Hackensack’s public schools gathered on Friday, May 24, to pack lunches and decorate cards for people in need at CareOne at Wellington.

An unusually mild winter meant Hackensack Public Schools’ unused snow days became Fridays off in May, and Chabad Rabbi Mendy Kaminker saw an opportunity to bring a spirit of giving to the city’s young people.

“Kindness Hour aims to change a day off into a day of giving to others,” said Kaminker, co-director of Chabad of Hackensack. “Hackensack’s schools emphasize the importance of empathy and kindness to others. This is a chance for students to put those values to practice.”

Kaminker acknowledged Hackensack Deputy Mayor David Sims and the Hackensack Board of Education for their efforts to make the event possible, as well as CareOne at Wellington, the event’s host.