Manchester Township High School -

The Manchester Township School District is coming together again this winter for a powerful district-wide service project to support Code Blue, a community initiative focused on collecting cold-weather essentials for individuals experiencing homelessness in Ocean County.

In its second year, the project is now expanding to include the Impact Clubs. Students immediately embraced the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Beginning next week, each school in the district will display a large Code Blue collection box in its main lobby, inviting families, staff, and community members to donate winter items such as hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and blankets. All donations will be delivered to a local homeless shelter to support the most vulnerable members of our community during the coldest months of the year.

In preparation for Monday’s launch, student representatives from all district Impact Clubs gathered yesterday at Manchester Township High School to build the collection boxes. Under the guidance of Kyle Pecora, Drafting and Design Technology teacher at MTHS, high school students from Habitat for Humanity and Engineering Clubs constructed sturdy, oversized donation bins.

Once assembled, Impact and Jr. Impact Club members from the middle and elementary levels added their own creative touches, decorating the boxes to reflect their school spirit and the heart behind the initiative. These colorful, student-designed boxes will be delivered to each school on Monday.

The initiative reflects the heart of Manchester, which is students, staff, and families working together in Excellence to support those who need it most," says Superintendent of Schools Diane Pedroza. "Our students took great pride in building these collection boxes. They understood the purpose behind the project, and they wanted to contribute in a hands-on way. It was inspiring to watch them work together for such an important cause. We're proud of the kindness and community spirit our students demonstrate every day."

The district encourages everyone to participate and help fill the Code Blue boxes throughout the collection period. With the support of our Manchester community, students hope to bring warmth, comfort, and dignity to neighbors in need this winter.