Giving Back: Nurturing Community Through Charity & Compassion This Holiday Season
The holiday season offers a powerful reminder of what truly strengthens a community: acts of kindness, shared purpose, and a commitment to caring for one another. At Apple Montessori Schools, giving back is not just something we do, but an integral part of who we are. Our classrooms, our families, and our staff work together each year to support charitable organizations that make a real difference across New Jersey.
This fall, we were honored to continue our partnership with Moms Helping Moms, a New Jersey nonprofit dedicated to providing essential items such as diapers, wipes, formula, and clothing to families facing financial hardship. Alongside this important work, our school communities are also supporting local food banks and hospitals, ensuring that families across the state experience comfort, dignity, and hope during the winter months.
Instilling Compassion Through Montessori Values
In our classrooms, community is not an abstract concept, but something children practice every day. Grace and courtesy lessons help children understand how their actions affect others. Simple moments such as offering a friend help, caring for the environment, or welcoming someone new into the classroom nurture empathy, respect, and awareness.
Charitable giving extends these lessons beyond the classroom walls. When children help collect diapers for a new baby, bring in canned food for a family in need, or create cards for hospital patients, they experience firsthand what it means to contribute to the greater good. These small acts build lifelong habits rooted in gratitude and compassion.
Partnership Spotlight: Moms Helping Moms
Our ongoing collaboration with Moms Helping Moms reflects a shared mission: ensuring every child has access to the basics they need to thrive. When families contribute to our collection drives, they are not just donating supplies—they are offering comfort, security, and dignity to parents facing difficult circumstances. This year, Apple families donated over 3,000 diapers and 6,000 wipes, 40 food and formula items, 22 toiletry and hygiene items, 16 books, and over 350 clothing items.
We are proud to support this incredible organization whose impact reaches thousands of families across New Jersey every year. Through their work, and with the support of communities like ours, parents are empowered, children are cared for, and the cycle of giving continues to grow.
Supporting Local Food Banks and Hospitals
Throughout the season, our school communities also come together to support local food banks and hospitals. Whether it’s assembling meal kits, donating pantry items, delivering toys to pediatric units, or providing warm clothing to community centers, these efforts strengthen the networks that support families year-round.
Our students witness the ripple effect of generosity—and learn that even the smallest contribution can make someone’s day a little brighter.
Raising Children Who Change the World
Montessori education reminds us that children are capable, compassionate, and eager to help when given meaningful opportunities. Acts of charity help them understand that they are part of something bigger – a community that grows stronger when people look after one another.
This season and every season, we are grateful for the spirit of giving that shines so brightly throughout our schools. Thank you to our families, staff, and students for embracing the true meaning of community. Together, we continue to build a world rooted in kindness, responsibility, and hope.
