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“ I have been asked WHY I volunteer,” said Marge Rosenblatt, the Aventura Marketing Council/Chamber of Commerce (AMC) “ace” volunteer. “ The answer is simple…it feels good knowing that I can help others . Only a few miles away, there is a community in dire need of help. I didn’t know that until I attended an AMC Education Committee meeting and met a truly special woman, Veronica Martin, Special Education Teacher from North Miami Beach Senior High School. Veronica explained that the school has a free Community Store that offers used clothing and household goods to not only the students and teachers but to needy residents. The store is staffed entirely by students who take care of everything from meeting the donors in the parking lot to take everything inside the school, to washing, drying and folding clothing. The store offers clothing and shoes for infants, babies, children, men and women of all ages, as well as household items like pots and pans, dishes, utensils, glasses, toys and so much more…everything but food. When I realized the amazing work that Veronica and her students were doing, my mission began to communicate with everyone I knew to ask or plead for donations. Acquaintances and businesspeople began to donate and when the young businesswomen began to donate beautiful high heels, evening gowns and bags as well as everyday clothing, the female students were so excited and happy! My mission now is to encourage all of you to please help replenish this community treasure from your closets and cabinets. Just call Veronica at 305.949.8381 to arrange for a dropoff at NMB Senior High to donate to a community that is not only in need, but tremendously grateful for all donations. ”
Veronica Martin wears many hats at NMB Senior High: Special Education Teacher, GEMS (Girls Educated and Motivated for Success) Sponsor and Women of Tomorrow Coordinator.
Martin noted, “A few years ago, our school had a large influx of students from various countries each with their own unique challenges. The teachers at our school cleaned out their closets and started a secondhand store. The students and their parents could come in and select clothing to wear to church, a job interview, or a special event like prom. After I told this story at an Aventura Marketing Council Meeting, Marge Rosenblatt from AMC made it her mission to help us connect the NMB community, who have economic needs, with slightly used clothing and household items. This week she delivered seventeen bags of clothing to our secondhand store that were welcomed by our students and PTSA. We are eternally grateful for Marge’s efforts and the partnership between AMC and NMBHS as we meet the challenges of a community in need.”
North Miami Beach Sr. High is located at 1247 NE 167th Street, NMB 33162. For more information on the Community Store, call Veronica Martin at 305.949.8381 x2110
