Good deeds start early

Preschoolers and their Center Play School teacher present a donation to Hatzalah coordinator Shay Cohen, l-r, and EMT Steven Sitt.

Giving charity is a core element of the curriculum at the Jewish Community Center's Center Play School (CPS) in Deal. CPS preschoolers recently presented money they collected in their classroom to members of Hatzalah first aid squad.

Giving to organizations such as Hatzalah reinforces the teachings of JCC's Ethical Start program, according to Randi Cohen, CPS early childhood director.

Students were given a tour of a Hatzalah ambulance and learned more about how the organization provides life-saving support, strictly on a volunteer basis.

Formed in 2003, Hatzalah has 35 volunteer members, all of whom are EMTs, 23 volunteer dispatchers and four ambulances, says Shay Cohen of Elberon, a Hatzalah coordinator. The coverage area includes West End of Long Branch, Deal, Allenhurst, Elberon, Loch Arbour, Ocean Township and Oakhurst.

"Since we're a private volunteer organization, we do not receive any federal, state or local funding. The main means for funding is through the generosity of the community. Teaching children to give to charity is a tremendous lesson," Cohen said.