click for JustABuckNJ.org
They are known as the Millenial Generation, Generation Y, Generation Z, the Pluralist Generation, but perhaps being members of Generation We is the best term to describe three sisters from Oakland NJ who started JustABuckNJ.org.
A generation of American children are poised to inherit a nation with long standing social divisions, enormous economic challenges, major environmental concerns -but it is a sign of hope that this generation is more socially conscious, more socially active, and more passionate about the world they live in then any previous generation.
The three Foster Sisters from Oakland, two middle schoolers and one still in grammar school, are reflecting the best of their generation with the establishment of JustABuckNJ.org in the wake of Hurricane Sandy’s destruction.
Working under the simple premise of asking for just a one dollar donation, the girls have been raising funds which are hand delivered to families devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope” is a quote that can be found on the JustABuck.org webiste; and, according to Teri-Anne Foster, the girls’ mom, “These kids are our future, and hope for our future.”
Foster Sisters
The hope of Generation We is also reflected in a drawing exhibited on the website, one created by Clarice Foster. This unofficial logo for JustABuckNJ.org is meant to reflect, “…different geographies and multiple nationalities in America. The three geographies are the country, city, and shore.”
The inspiring story of JustABuck.org can be found on the website, along with regular updates on how much has been raised and the people being helped.
The Journal emailed with Teri-Anne Foster to find out a little more about this grassroots effort to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Have the efforts with JustABuckNJ.org taught you anything new about human nature, or has it confirmed something that you already believed?
I may have believed that people had such goodness in them when I was a kid but honestly, it definitely went away over the years. These kids still have that hope – and they brought it alive in people through JustABuckNJ.org. And seeing that hope awaken within people, through these kids, has renewed my personal faith in humanity. Everyone has it in them. One person from Virginia wrote a very touching note with her donation, she said they had nothing themselves, but that certainly they could afford to give a dollar. Almost all the donations are from the “stranger world” meaning, we have no idea who they are. That alone says loud and clear that there is hope.
What has been the best experience while working on JustABuckNJ.org?
We didn’t think we’d even get one dollar from anyone, then it grew to over $1200. handing the money to the family in need was by far the best experience! They were completely in shock…. I mean, can you imagine if you were in their shoes, and people you didn’t even know did that for you?
Sandy Destruction
What has been the saddest experience?
When trick or treating, the kids made flyers that said “instead of candy, please visit our site and donate $1. That honestly didn’t go over well. Quite a few reactions were a little cold and harsh, to be quite honest with you. I guess they were still recovering emotionally themselves from what happened.
As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, what should people be especially thankful for in the midst of so much destruction?
Be thankful that, as humans, we have the capacity to love, and to reach out to others and make a difference, and that when you yourselves lose hope, look into children’s eyes – they are still carrying it for you, and can replant the seed in you.
Some people lost almost all of their worldly possessions. What is one “thing” that would break your heart if it was lost and/or destroyed?
Seeing the strength of the family who lost almost everything, but still have each other…. the only thing they really cared about was trying to find their cat who is still missing when we were visiting their home…. the only thing that would break my heart would be the loss of life.
What makes a house a home?
The expression of love. It’s one thing to have love, and to say that everyone in the family loves each other, but it’s another thing to show it. That’s what brings a family’s house alive, and transcends it into being the true meaning of a home.
What’s a favorite memory of the Jersey Shore?
Honestly – just taking long walks on the beach. But there are so many! everyone has a memory and a story!!! The Jersey Shore is part of everyone who ever went there.
Once the shore communities are rebuilt, what is one of the first things you would like to enjoy there again?
We saw the mass destruction on Saturday. We saw firsthand the devastation. It was like a ghost town – or more like a war zone. We would just want to drive through there, and see people and cars around – see it alive again! That would bring tears of joy to my eyes and my kids eyes.
Jersey Shore
After the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy is repaired, do you plan on continuing JustABuckNJ.org with a different goal in mind?
The children who started this apparently gave a lot of thought to this. when the interviewer asked them that question Saturday, they said that they are going to continue the organization, and even donate to other catastrophes around the country… they even said across the whole world. I will do everything I can to personally make their hope a reality.
Link:
JustABuckNJ.org
Fast Facts from NJ.com:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency shows more than 500 buildings were destroyed outright, reduced to piles of debris, caved in or sliced into chunks.
- Officials have amassed a list of nearly 72,000 battered homes and businesses in New Jersey alone.
- An additional 5,000 structures suffered major damage from flooding or high winds, and some 24,000 were seen with minor damage.
Additional Reading:
http://kidsareheroes.org/
Kids Are Heroes® is a non-profit that empowers, encourages and inspires children to become leaders through volunteerism and community involvement. We do this by showcasing and supporting children who are making a difference through their selfless acts of giving.
http://www.kidscanmakeadifference.org/
KIDS is a program of iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) the world’s largest non-profit global network that enables teachers and youth to use the Internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects that enhance learning and make a difference in the world.