Upendra Chivukula for Assembly


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Chivukula Visits Local School for ‘Read Across America’

March 4th, 2010

Dr Seuss 2010 047-1Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula (D-17) participated in the Dr. Seuss’s National Read Across America program at Bartle School in Highland Park on March 2nd. Assemblyman Chivukula read Dr. Seuss’s And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street to Ms. Lewis’s class of twenty one (21) 3rd graders. The story encourages children to use their imagination.

“Read Across America is a wonderful program, it encourages our children to read by making reading fun. We don’t use our imagination watching television or playing video games, but when we read, our mind is allowed to grow. Dr. Seuss understood the importance of the imagination” Chivukula stated.

Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program, created in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) to motivate children to read. The annual event is held on March 2, the birthday of celebrated children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. This year more than 45 million readers across the nation joined the nation’s largest reading celebration.

Serving Dinner to Those in Need

March 2nd, 2010

Combating hunger and empowering lives has been the sole mission of Elijah’s Promise since its formation in 1989.

In an effort to support the many opportunities and services that Elijah’s Promise has bestowed upon the community, Assemblyman Chivukula ( D-17) and Assemblyman Peter Barnes, III ( D-18) joined with volunteers from Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and volunteers from Elijah’s Promise to serve dinner to those in need.

Asm. Chivukula prepares food at Elijah's Promise

Due to rainy weather, 89 people came for this meal. Elijah’s Promise’s soup kitchen serves twice a day every day and once a day during the weekend. Volunteers serve an average of 300 meals daily. Usually, more than 120 people for the evening supper.

“Elijah’s Promise is doing a great job, they have a good system of people volunteering; from churches, universities, senior centers and the like” Chivukula said.

The rising unemployment rate has called for more attention to the need for the provided by Elijah’s Promises and CASA. Therefore, in addition to the soup kitchen, Elijah’s Promise offers three programs – social services, culinary school and catering. The courses offered by the culinary school give individuals needed skills that enable them to gain employment.

Elijah's Promise

“Growing up in Middlesex County, Elijah’s Promise is very familiar to me.,” Barnes said. “Elijah’s Promise has expanded the number of programs they provide.  Because the economy is depressed, there is even a greater need. This is a wonderful program; that has been growing and adapting to the better serve the community.”

Chivukula added, “This type of program is the essence of service to the community. It gives far more than what it takes. Assemblyman Barnes and I want the community to know how important this program is to those in need.”

If you would like to donate or volunteer, please contact Elijah’s Promise at 732-545-9002 ext. 117. Donations are accepted in the form of food and supplies, and volunteers are always welcome.

Upendra Chivukula for Assembly