Student Helps Play Santa to Hurricane Sandy Victims

Stephanie Wengler, a sixth-grader at Lawrence Intermediate School in Lawrence Township, recently partnered with the Law Offices of Edward R. Weinstein to bring holiday toys to the families of Union Beach, N.J. 

“I wanted to do something to help children affected by the storm and who better than a kid to take charge,” Weinstein said in a news release. 

“Union Beach was devastated by Hurricane Sandy and there has even been some speculation of the town’s ultimate survival.  These families need help now, and we are thrilled to be making the holidays a bit easier for them,” he said in explaining why Union Beach was selected. 

Stephanie's mother, Jennifer Gardella, is the director of marketing for the East Brunswick-based law firm. She was responsible for the firm’s holiday outreach. 

“We went looking for a very organized and trustworthy organization and wanted to make sure our contribution would actually reach children,” Gardella said. 

With the help of the Union Gardens Fire Department, a Union Beach teacher organized a very detailed wishlist on Amazon.com. 

Armed with a budget, the Amazon wishlist, and a credit card, Stephanie evaluated how to get the most toys ordered within the budget, and then into her mom’s SUV for delivery.

As the toys rolled in, Stephanie took inventory and even ordered a few more. 

As her mother said, “not once did she ask me if she could order something for herself.”