STUDENTS' THOUGHTFULNESS WILL HELP COMFORT CHILDREN

FREEHOLD -- Being plucked from your home can be a scary matter, especially
if you're a small child.

Children must be removed from homes where there is drug abuse, parental
neglect, domestic problems or physical abuse. With that in mind, Freehold
High School seniors Jessica Small, Alissa Goetz, Inna Basanskaya and Sarah
Kallish are addressing that matter with the cooperation of the Freehold
Borough police.

"When the police remove a child from a home during a DYFS (Division of
Youth and Family Services) complaint, the child leaves with only the
clothing he or she is wearing," said Nick Tabor, National Honor Society
adviser. "The students prepared backpacks with personal items like shampoo,
soap and washcloths so the child [who has to leave on the spur of the
moment] has the necessities he needs."

Tabor said the backpacks are being given to Police Chief Michael F.
Beier-schmitt.

"They're going to be put in the back of police cars," Jessica explained.
"When the kids are pulled out of their homes they're given the items right
away."

Tabor said he told the students about a similar program in Essex County. He
said they decided to try the same kind of program in Freehold. He said
research indicated there are DYFS complaints in the borough and throughout
Monmouth County.

Tabor said the students set up collection points and put up fliers. After
the students collected the items they packed the backpacks that will
eventually be given to children who are facing the prospect of being taken
out of their homes.

"There's even a personal note in the backpack," he said. "There are
personal products like shampoo, soap, a washcloth and towel, a small toy
and some of the bags have lollipops and crayons."

The students packed 12 backpacks; one for each of the borough's nine patrol
cars and three extras. Tabor said the students are prepared to do more if
needed, and they hope to let other students in the Freehold Regional High
School District know about the project.

"Maybe they'll spread the news into Freehold Township, Howell and the
surrounding areas," said Tabor. "We don't know what kind of experience the
other townships have had with DYFS."

In comments to the FHS students, Beierschmitt said, "Unfortunately, young
kids get caught up in domestic violence and/or abuse. It's a horrible thing
and I thank you for the backpacks. I'm sure the kids will [thank you], too.
They're greatly appreciated. It makes our job a lot easier and it's great
to have the community support from young adults at our high school here in
Freehold."

The project organizers thanked their fellow students for supporting the
effort to fill the backpacks. The backpacks were donated by Blimpie
restaurant on South Street.