Directors' Dish: Sylvan Learning Center Sponsors Donation Drive Benefitting Local Animal Shelter

The Clinton and Flemington Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, has been collecting donations for Common Sense for Animals, a no-kill shelter in Broadway, New Jersey since November. Sylvan Learning offers a variety of educational programs and personalized learning plans that help children reach their full potential and help families reach their academic goals, but the Directors have also encouraged students to reach beyond the classroom.

With the help of the parents and students at Sylvan as well as Sylvan teachers and friends, Directors Stefanie Hickman, Lisa Hubright, Lauren Baker and Erin Merritt collected nearly 200 pounds of dog and cat food, nearly a 100 rolls of paper towels, plus multiple cleaners and treats for the animals. “We are so thankful to everyone who has helped to make this so successful. It is our hope that our students can take away from this drive the spirit of giving at this time of year in addition to the supplemental education that we are already providing for them,” says Stefanie of the Clinton Center.

The donations collected at both centers were delivered to Common Sense for Animals on December 16, 2010 using a pick-up truck. Common Sense for Animals was chosen by directors for its mission “to promote animal welfare through education and community service. [They] strive to educate all people, particularly children, as to what constitutes proper care and the importance of protecting our environment, wildlife, habitat and endangered species.” For more information about Common Sense for Animals, to donate or to adopt please visit www.commonsenseforanimals.org.

Stefanie Hickman, Center Director of the Clinton Sylvan Learning, explains, “Our goal is to assist local students in developing the skills, habits and attitudes needed for lifelong success. Only Sylvan offers a proven process that sets us apart from tutors and other educational services. At our centers, we aim to aid students in developing these skills but also to be a role model for community service.”