December 1, 2016
There is an undeniable and profound connection between hunger and a child’s ability to succeed in school, and in life. That’s why, in partnership with Principal Sam Garrison, Monica C. Smith and Amy Allan Smith chose to adopt Camden Street Elementary School for the “Bring Dinner Home” program in 2011. Their goal was to offer children and their families meaningful proof that others care about their well-being and futures.
In the past five years, the literacy rate of Newark’s Camden Street School has improved and surpassed both the state and city average improvement rate. Marketsmith is proud to be part of this significant achievement, so this year, in celebration of the 5th anniversary and with the help of many generous contributors, they have adopted another organization in their effort to end child hunger: Cedar Hill CDC Community After School Program in Boonton, NJ. (CASP). Cedar Hill’s program provides arts, vocational, and educational learning at their affordable after school program for working families in the community.
The obstacles faced by the students of these two programs are immense:
- 90% of Camden Street School students are economically disadvantaged.
- 60% of Camden Street School students are living in extreme poverty.
- 42% of Camden Street School students have special needs.
- 30% of CASP student population are African American, and of that 99% are from single working mothers.
- 85% of CASP students are living at or below poverty level.
But, thanks to Bring Dinner Home and the support of its generous donors, those obstacles are being overcome every single day.
In addition to the Bring Dinner Home event at Camden Street School, Marketsmith will also be supporting two new initiatives that provide yearlong sustainability for the children. This includes a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Technology) program for early childhood learning, and a Camden Cares room, to support families with services like free laundry machines, books, clothing, diapers and school supplies throughout the year.
“I believe those of us who have found success owe it to this world to make it a better place. Every child deserves to be fed, safe and educated. It is that simple,” says Monica C. Smith, CEO and Founder of Marketsmith, Inc.
To see how your donation directly impacts the children, watch this video they made for the Marketsmith team: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQY9l7yd9O4&feature=youtu.be
Watch this news clip from Verizon Channel 1 News of the 2016 Bring Dinner Home event held in November: http://www.fios1news.com/newjersey/thanksgiving-comes-early-for-newark-families#.WCYBnforK00
If you would like to support this yearlong sustainability program, please visit www.bringdinnerhome.org, or collect diapers as well as new/gently worn coats, scarves, gloves and hats and drop off to the Marketsmith office: 2 Wing Drive, Cedar Knolls, NJ.
You can also donate now.
Watch this video recap of the 2016 event or check out the picture gallery.