Center Play School (CPS) students at the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center in Deal Park recently donated 1,000 books to Chai Lifeline, Monmouth Medical Center, Jersey Shore Medical Center, Jewish Children and Family Services, and the Pajama Program.

CPS students participated in a national Scholastic Book Clubs literacy program called the “Whoopi! We're Reading Sweepstakes,” which was launched by the actress, author and comedienne Whoopi Goldberg.

CPS students met Scholastic's challenge to read 100 books. They were then selected, along with 99 other schools across the country, to receive 1,000 books to donate to organizations of their choice.

“Not only does this program encourage children to read, but it is a great hesed project that reminds our students to do good for others,” said Inna Shepard, CPS' Associate Early Childhood Director.

Helping others is a key part of the curriculum both at CPS and JCC Day Camps. JCC campers participate in the Days of Caring and Sharing, a community service program. This year nearly 1,000 JCC campers will create art projects to decorate nursing homes and hospitals. They will also organize a food drive, clean up a local state park and raise money for Chai Lifeline, which provides camping experiences for children with cancer.

“The entire JCC camp will get together for this weeklong project, from preschool through high school campers, plus our staff,” says Associate Camp Director Randy Topper. “It helps build community pride and camp spirit, and reminds campers of their responsibility to help others, while having the time of their life at summer camp.”