Several matches from different program areas came together on Saturday, October 27th (despite the rain) to participate in a variety of community service projects.  Mentors and mentees had a great time bonding… they spent time decorating cookies for a local women’s shelter, making blankets for children in a local hospital and for cats and dogs in a local animal shelter. 

Volunteering together builds civic responsibility and most importantly deepens the relationship between the mentor and mentee as they connect with a larger community.  In addition, community service is part of a very important and meaningful Tuesday’s Children initiative called “Helping Heals.”  According to Dr. Marylene Cloitre, PhD, Head of the Institute for Trauma and Resilience at the NYU Study Center, “Those who engage in volunteer work experience a significant improvement in emotional well-being, self esteem and self worth.”

Jim Giaconne, a Long Island Mentor, said, “I know that we both really enjoyed ourselves, meeting new people and having fun while doing our small part to help others.”  After all the projects were completed, we enjoyed a fun-filled lunch at Chevy’s Restaurant in Times Square, NYC.  Jason Makarow, one of our New Jersey Mentors said after the event, “I don’t remember the last time I made a gingerbread house, but the one I made this weekend will certainly be the most memorable.  Devin and Adriana remind me how much fun it is to be a kid and joke around.”

All in all, the Tuesday’s Children’s Mentoring team was so pleased to see that everyone had a fantastic time sharing in the activities and making new friends!

Organizations we provided service to included:
Project Linus
Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge, New Jersey
Women/Children’s Shelter, NYC

Long Island Mentor Michelle Lanning helps her mentee

build a scary haunted house made out of gingerbread

One of the mentees holds up his edible art that was

donated to a shelter!

A special Staten Island match works together to decorate

cookies

New York City mentee gives a "thumbs up" to the days

events

Long Island Mentor Jim Giaccone and his mentee pose for a

picture at Chevy's during lunch