MANCHESTER – This winter has been brutal. In response, several high school students recently helped people warm up through their first Code Blue initiative.
Code Blue goes into effect when the temperature drops near freezing. Temporary shelters are opened for overnight stays in a few buildings throughout Ocean County.
Officials of the Manchester Township School District noted that what began as a school-based service project grew into a countywide effort rooted in compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping others in times of need.
The administration commended the outstanding success of the first-ever Code Blue Initiative. High school students provided critical support to individuals experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year.
Due to work of the students through their coordination, donations were delivered to five separate Code Blue sites across Ocean County, including helping to establish the new Code Blue site at Saint Mary’s Church in Barnegat.
School officials said this extraordinary accomplishment reflected well on the school district’s commitment to not only serve its own community but to support Ocean County as a whole.
Superintendent Diane Pedroza said, “We are incredibly proud of our students for stepping up in such a caring and meaningful way. Their dedication to serving both our town and the county demonstrates the true heart of Manchester Township School District and beautifully reflects our motto, Excellence by Example.”
At the heart of this success were the Manchester Township High School Key Club students, who committed their time each day to sorting and bagging the donations collected throughout the school district. Their efforts were guided and supported by dedicated teacher advisors, Theresa Zacchia and Kyle Pecora, who oversaw student work, provided organization and direction, and ensured the initiative ran smoothly.
Administrators noted that the work performed went well beyond basic organization, as students carefully evaluated each item to ensure donations were appropriate, usable, and distributed with dignity and care.
In addition to processing donations, students also assisted with organizing the district’s Care Closet. As a District Hub, the Care Closet provides students from across schools in Manchester with access to personal products, food, clothing, and even laundry facilities, thanks to generous community donations and grant funding.
This initiative represents the heart of our district: a community that cares for one another. The need, however, remains great and with rising prices and daily challenges, many students depend on these essentials to maintain their health, confidence, and focus on learning.
When items were identified as more suitable for older individuals or outside the scope of the closet’s purpose, students responsibly redirected those donations to the Code Blue collection. This thoughtful and proactive approach ensured that all items were placed where they would have the greatest impact.
