Reverse Porch Pirates in Monticello
From the Sullivan County Democrat 02/12/2025
People came to the porch when it was obvious that there was no one home, because there was no light on, no car in the driveway, and no tracks in the snow. And they left things there:
Packages of socks and underwear, hats, coats and gloves in children’s sizes; bottles of shampoo and bars of soap; hair brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Some people went shopping and brought things, while others ordered on line and had the items delivered to the porch. A few left checks. In all, it was about $1,000 in merchandise and money, all donated by residents of Wolf Lake, and all for needy children in Monticello.
The porch belongs to Don Kennedy, co-founder of the Wolf Lake Neighbors Foundation, and the effort was organized by Jean Eifert, a foundation board member. Everything that they brought went to a new “care closet” at the George L. Cooke Elementary School in Monticello, which has nearly 600 students in grades K-2. The closet, managed by a teacher who distributes the clothing and personal care items to students who need them, is the foundation’s second; the first is at the Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School, which has about 500 students, in grades 3 to 5.
Both schools serve a highly diverse population, in a low- income area. A substantial number of the children are homeless. Both schools provide free lunches to the children, and for the neediest, send food home with them on weekends. Those are government programs but the personal care items are the private effort of Wolf Lake Neighbors.
“These donors are reverse porch pirates,” said Kennedy. The personal care items will help the students get through a difficult period in their lives, and focus on the real purpose of school, education.
“We are grateful for this generous donation, which will make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many children,” said Joana Dutcher, 2nd grade teacher, who coordinates the Backpack Program and the Care Closet at Cooke.
“These essential items will provide comfort, support, and opportunities for growth, ensuring that every child has the resources they need to thrive,” she said. Faculty members cheered when the donation was announced.
The Foundation will re-stock the closets as needed. Eifert coordinates with the school faculty about what is needed, puts out the plastic tubs on the porch, and when the reverse pirates deliver, she brings the items to the schools.
The Wolf Lake Neighbors Foundation was founded in 2022, and is supported by about 60 donors, including individuals and companies, who have given their money or time to help. It is a 501(c)(3) charity. The foundation also has a scholarship program for college students, and supports literacy programs at local libraries.
Christopher Palmer, assistant principal, Jean Eifert, Wolf Lake Neighbors Foundation, and Joana Dutcher, teacher and Care Closet Coordinator at Cooke, with donations.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
