New Jersey

New Jersey Teacher Raises Money to Buy Entire School Christmas Gifts

What to Know

  • New Jersey teacher Jennifer Olawski raised more than $4,500 to gift each of the 500 students at Community Charter School of Paterson
  • The Spruce St. branch serves students in grades kindergarten through 4, and many come from families living below the federal poverty level
  • Olawski, 31, was inspirted to buy gifts for the kids last year after one student told her she wasn't expecting anything for Christmas

A New Jersey teacher has bought Christmas gifts for the entire school using donations from her online fundraiser, and she says next year will be "bigger and better."

Jennifer Olawski says she was inspired to buy gifts for the students at Community Charter School of Paterson last year after one student told her she wasn't expecting anything for Christmas.

jennifer olawski paterson teacher
Jennifer Olawski
Jennifer Olawski with students at Community Charter School of Paterson

The Spruce Street branch serves students in grades kindergarten through four, and school officials say many come from families living below the federal poverty level.

The 31-year-old says she raised about $2,500 last year. This year, she raised more than $4,500 to give each of the 500 students coloring books, slime kits and winter hats and gloves Monday.

Olawski says she is already collecting donations for next year online through GoFundMe.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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