“There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” Gen. James Doolittle
To Our SMAC Family,
Happy New Year! We hope this letter finds you all healthy and happy as we head into 2021.
With the world turned upside down this past year, I am proud to report that SMAC has continued to forge ahead, making a difference in the community and in the fight against cancer. In this letter, we’ll take a brief look back, a look at our current year, and a look towards the future.
Past Impact (‘19-20)
Despite an abbreviated 2019-2020 school year, the SMAC network had a huge collective impact. Here is a snapshot:
700+ SMAC Students across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
$40,000+ raised for cancer causes, such as:
Emmanuel Cancer Foundation
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
American Cancer Society
St. Christopher’s Hospital
Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey
Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation
MD Andersen/Cooper Hospital
2,700+ Acts of SMAC Volunteerism, including:
Blankets donated to people undergoing chemotherapy
Gift baskets made for cancer patients
Children’s gifts sent to the Children’s Specialized Hospital
Poster series created with cancer prevention tips
Food provided to Emmanuel Cancer Foundation’s food pantry
Build-a-Bears distributed to kids battling cancer
Holiday cards sent to cancer patients
Current Highlights (‘20-21)
This school year, SMAC chapters have continued their inspiring work. We wanted to spotlight the work of three chapters during this 2020-21 school year thus far:
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School SMAC has:
Raised $2,500 for the American Cancer Society, $500 for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, and $330 for the Camp Quality
Sent letters and donations to NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids
Volunteered at Play for Pink and Jam Kancer
Union Catholic High School SMAC has already led:
A food drive for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation
A virtual toy drive through Amazon Wishlist for the Valerie Fund
A school-wide dress down day and virtual remembrance wall for Breast Cancer Awareness Month - donations went to 4 different charities
Governor Livingston High School’s SMAC:
Raised over $1000 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
Participated in the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation Food Drive
Donated a gift to a teacher's daughter who is undergoing treatment
Vision for the Coming Year
Given the numerous challenges facing schools and communities, SMAC’s central office is focused on one thing in the coming year - supporting our SMAC chapters and students. We’ll be doing this in a three key ways:
SMAC’s “Cancer Fighter Scholarship”: In order to support and honor student leaders who have fought cancer in their lives and/or in their community, SMAC will be offering ten (10) $1000 scholarships this coming spring.
SMAC’s Micro-grant Program: As school districts around the country face Covid-related budget cuts, SMAC will be offering micro-grants to new and existing chapters who need small levels of financial assistance to cover costs associated with events, awareness/education campaigns, or student recruitment.
SMAC Talks (Student Leadership Enrichment Series): Since SMAC’s mission is to empower the next generation of cancer fighters, we will continue to offer SMAC students opportunities for virtual leadership development. This past November, we hosted a virtual meet-and-greet and panel discussion regarding the use of social media to make an impact.
Thank you, again, for your continued support of SMAC. We look forward to keeping you apprised of the many ways that SMAC is making a difference in the fight against cancer.
Sincerely,
David Baumwoll, Executive Director
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