The Resource Center of Somerset County, located on Homestead Road in Hillsborough, was created to fight back against the negative effects of domestic violence. It provides a safe house for domestic violence victims, but the victims, while living in emergency shelters, often lack some of the basic items needed for everyday living.

With that in mind, students in Peggy Zappullo's class at the Matheny School in Peapack decided to collect items, such as toiletries, school supplies and clothes, from Matheny staff members. On September 12, they presented several boxes of items collected (or purchased at Wal-Mart with cash contributions) to Lt. Anthony J. Winchatz, Resource Center director of marketing and public relations, and Marlo Bodinizzo, development assistant and donations coordinator.

"We can ask corporations to write a check," said Winchatz, "but when the gifts come from people in our community, they are extra special. Donations such as yours are so much more important to our program because they are sincere and come from the heart." One student, Yasin Reddick, expressed the feelings of the entire class when he told Winchatz, "We just wanted to give back."

The Matheny School is part of the Matheny Medical and Educational Center, a special hospital and educational facility for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities.