By Dupè Aleru
Tis’ the season to be giving–seventh grade student Jack Ginsberg from Paul Revere Middle School in Brentwood has embraced the true spirit of the season by raising money for young children in need.
Launching a coin-jar-fundraising campaign, Ginsberg collected coins, classroom by classroom and hand delivered a check along with friends, for $3,500 to Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services.
Many kids his age are making their holiday lists of gifts they’d like to receive, but not seventh-grader Ginsberg, who has touched the lives of many children this holiday season by giving back.
What was the inspiration? A summer visit at Vista Del Mar accompanied by his mother and sister–he initially visited Vista to explore volunteer opportunities.
While touring Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services,
Ginsberg’s attention was drawn to a group of students his age who were laughing and smiling as they kicked a ball around an athletic field.
Learning that the children are not only struggling to overcome mental, emotional, and developmental challenges, but many have endured unimaginable trauma, led him to try to make a positive difference in the lives of Vista Del Mar children.
As Vista Del Mar’s President/CEO Elias Lefferman, Ph.D., noted: “For the youngsters that we serve, the holidays can be an especially difficult time.” The money that Jack has raised not only will buy much-needed-athletic equipment but, more importantly, it communicates to these kids that someone–someone their own age–truly cares about them.”
