Editor's Note: The following news brief was contributed by Lawrence Township Public Schools.

This holiday season found students and staff throughout the district reaching out to our community and beyond.

The staff and PTO of Slackwood Elementary School partnered with the Slackwood Presbyterian Church and Abiding Presence Lutheran Church to assist 26 families representing 57 Slackwood children, as coordinated by the guidance counselor, Melanie Seaman.

The families listed two presents for each child. Because of other donations, especially from one former Slackwood parent, Slackwood School was able to include $25 gift cards to Wal-Mart, ShopRite or Acme in all of the packages.

Ms. Cook and Mrs. Ramirez organized a school–wide program to donate food to the Mercer Street Friend Food Bank. Upon hearing that their supplies were low after the Thanksgiving vacation, Ms. Cook and Mrs. Ramirez sent flyers and emails asking for donations. Food was taken to the Food Bank on Dec. 16.

Mr. Acampora organized a collection of supplies for the troops. Students and staff donated basic supplies like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. Mr. Acampora took these supplies to the USO to be delivered to our troops.

Mrs. Cordingley’s class sent cards to the troops.