JFK Memorial High School

Our current focus is a global humanitarian project supporting cataract surgeries for individuals who lack access to basic eye care. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide, yet a simple cheap surgical procedure can restore sight and transform a person’s quality of life.

Through fundraising and awareness efforts, our club is working to sponsor cataract surgeries for patients in underserved communities over Africa . This project allows us to directly contribute to restoring vision, independence, and opportunity for individuals and families. By supporting this initiative, our members gain a deeper understanding of global health disparities and the importance of sustainable medical care.

One of our most meaningful completed initiatives is our annual Toy Drive, organized to bring joy and comfort to children in need during the winter season. Club members worked together to plan, promote, and collect donations, encouraging students, staff, and families across the school community to participate.

Through this collective effort, we successfully collected over 180 toys, which were distributed to children facing hardship through orphanages. This project highlighted the power of unity and generosity, showing how a school community can come together to make the holidays brighter for others. The Toy Drive remains a basis of our club’s mission and a reminder that kindness can have a lasting impact.

Thank You & Impact Report

In the first week of the year, Embrace Relief Team, in partnership with Yolanda Alonzo’s L.O.V.E. Org and FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development, Inc., proudly handed over 185 toys to children in Newark.

These toys were collected through the dedicated efforts of our club, with the shared goal of bringing joy, comfort, and a sense of care to children and families in need. What may seem like a simple gift becomes a powerful symbol of hope, kindness, and community for a child.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, volunteers, and supporters whose generosity made this initiative possible. Together, we are creating moments of happiness and reminding children that they are seen, valued, and supported.

Thank you for standing with us and for helping turn compassion into action.

Our team set up a donation based stand where parish members and visitors had the chance to learn more about Embrace Relief’s mission, our humanitarian initiatives, our trip to Tanzania this summer and the impact we hope to create for communities in need. We were also given the opportunity to speak about our work, share the purpose behind our efforts, and explain how community support can help turn compassion into action.

Through the generosity of the parish community, the kindness of the priest, and the support of everyone who donated, we were able to raise approximately $1,400 for Embrace Relief’s humanitarian projects. Each contribution represented more than financial support. It reflected a shared commitment to service, care, and uplifting others.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Saint Cecelia Church, the priest, and every individual who welcomed us, listened to our message, and contributed to this effort. This event was a beautiful reminder that when communities come together with open hearts, meaningful change becomes possible.