This fall, 5th Graders at Ethical Culture are engaging in a service learning project with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, helping to run a fall and winter clothing drive for unhoused children and asylum-seeking families in the local District 3 area. By gathering and sorting donations, these young students learn the importance of philanthropy and empathy while directly contributing to their local community.
Community service is essential to ECFS’s curriculum, where students not only discuss social responsibility but also actively participate in it. ECFS parent Toby Baldinger P’36 and Ethics Teacher Nelson Sanchez ’07 helped connect the School to Sheryl Parker, Director Joseph Stern Center for Social Responsibility at the JCC, and their clothing drive, bringing together students and local organizations to address clothing insecurity, especially in colder months. For many families, the JCC’s clothing drive is a lifeline, providing access to seasonally appropriate clothing in a welcoming, store-like environment where families can select the items they need most.
Starting in early November, families are welcome to drop off new or gently used children’s winter clothing donations in all sizes — especially for older students (sizes 8-20) — and Fresh Direct bags for transport in the Ethical Culture lobby. Students will organize the items before their teachers deliver them to the JCC, where volunteers will set up a “shopping” event on November 15th, allowing families and children to experience the dignity of choice as they select seasonal clothing. After the event, the organizers will pass any remaining items on to other local shelters and organizations to reach as many people as possible.
During discussions in their Ethics classes and Parker’s recent visit to Ethical Culture, students reflected on what they noticed and wondered about the clothing drive. They observed, “There’s a rack of clothes, and people are looking for the right size,” and asked, “How much clothing was donated, and how much was taken?” Questions like these encourage students to connect emotionally with the project, deepening their understanding of their ongoing impact.
The drive meets a pressing need in New York City, where 120,000 children face housing instability and often lack proper seasonal clothing. Students learned that clothing insecurity can cause discomfort, especially when items don’t fit or suit the weather. “When you’re not feeling great, it can be difficult to learn,” Parker noted, emphasizing that access to essentials like warm coats and boots helps foster a positive learning environment — a crucial aspect often taken for granted.
At ECFS, this type of service learning program empowers students to engage with social issues directly, building an understanding of community needs and a lifelong commitment to giving back. Through activities like these, students bring ECFS’s mission to life by practicing social responsibility and compassion in real-world settings. As donations start pouring in, the school community is hopeful for a meaningful and impactful season of giving back.
