Moorestown Teachers Helping Sandy Victims

Moorestown teachers may be heading to Atlantic City this week after all—but not for the reason you think.

After learning the  New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention—originally scheduled for Nov. 8 and 9 in AC—was cancelled due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, and that schools would remain closed those days, a group of Moorestown Education Association (MEA) members put their heads together to figure out what they could do to help the victims.

“We figured, if we’re not going to be open, can we do something for the victims?” said Matt Stuart, a special education teacher at the Upper Elementary School. “That’s how the conversation started.”

Several teachers visited some of the hardest hit communities along the Jersey Shore over the weekend and were in contact with their colleagues, brainstorming ways they could help with recovery efforts, according to Stuart.

The MEA reached out internally to its members and is urging them to donate items at each school building Wednesday. On Thursday morning, the MEA will have a couple pickup trucks—and hopefully some trailers—set up outside the Upper Elementary School and is encouraging all community members to donate supplies as well.

Stuart said they need water, shovels, cleaning kits, empty gas cans and batteries.

“People are absolutely jumping on board,” he said. “The response has been great.”

A group of about a dozen teachers, maybe more, will haul the items down to the Shore on Thursday. Stuart said they’ll likely be heading to either Atlantic City or Brigantine; they’re waiting for direction from the Red Cross.

“We’re just not sure who’s in more need,” he said.

The MEA will be collecting items at the Upper Elementary School, 325 Borton Landing Road, between 8-9:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

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