The community is collecting the following items: evening dresses, prom dresses, shawls, gloves, jewelry, hair accessories including barrettes and Tiaras, dressy shoes, handbags, unused cosmetics, male and female hair products, men’s suits, men’s tuxedos, men’s ties, men’s shoes, and men’s accessories. They are also collecting financial contributions, made out to ‘Cedar Crest,’ which will be used to purchase apparel of all sizes for the New Orleans High School students.
The event is being underwritten by the Miracles of Hope Network, which is comprised of world-wide child agencies and organizations, which are dedicated to the creation and restoration of good in the lives of children.
“Cedar Crest’s volunteers first had an idea about helping student Katrina survivors receive Prom clothes, without knowing about the Miracles of Hope Network’s efforts,” says Maryann Moffa, volunteer coordinator, Cedar Crest.
“I then began searching on the internet to see if an effort like this already existed that we could support, and found this agency,” added Moffa.
“We are so happy to be doing this for these children; at Cedar Crest we love to help others and make a difference,” says Moffa.
“In fact, the people at Cedar Crest are so generous, in one day, I have already collected 25 items and monetary donations,” says a smiling Moffa.
The Prom items will benefit nearly 600 kids who are expected to attend the New Orleans High School Prom in May 2006. The class is comprised of 300 boys, who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The clothes will benefit the boys and their dates. The agency is also flying in beauticians, make-up specialists and tailors to help the children get ready for the big day. They have also lined up a venue, band and roster of Celebrities.
According to the Miracles of Hope website, “It is our hope that not one of these kids will decline attending the Prom, due to the overwhelming sense of loss they have felt from Hurricane Katrina.”
Cedar Crest wholeheartedly echoes these sentiments.
The public and all of Erickson’s communities are encouraged to help. Drop off boxes are located at Cedar Crest’s, Village Square, Fireside Living Room and the Belmont, Oak Living Room. Outside donations are welcome and encouraged. Help in locating these donation locations can be obtained at the front desks in both Cedar Crest buildings.
If you have any questions, or wish to make item donations or monetary donations, please contact Maryann Moffa, volunteer coordinator, Cedar Crest, at 973-831-3636 or via email at mmoffa@ericksonmail.com . Please make checks payable to “Cedar Crest.” Checks can also be mailed directly to Maryann Moffa, Volunteer Coordinator, Cedar Crest, One Cedar Crest Village Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.
Cedar Crest, in Pompton Plains, NJ, is one of 17 campuses developed and managed by the Erickson network, which in total is home to more than 16,500 people throughout the United States. For middle-income people over age 62, the Erickson lifestyle offers unparalleled opportunities and unmatched value. The combination of energizing community atmosphere and wide array of recreational, fitness, volunteer, educational, spiritual, and social opportunities simply cannot be found in any other settings. Erickson’s full complement of high quality and convenient wellness, medical, dining, and facility services enable people to pursue their passions and devote time to family and friends. Best of all, individuals can take advantage of this enviable lifestyle without spending any more than they are now.