We all want to raise kind kids. The ones who notice when someone needs help and know what it means to show up for others. That kind of heart-centered learning doesn’t just happen, it’s built, nurtured, and practiced. And at Palisades Country Day School in Closter, it is woven right into the curriculum.
This fall, the school’s beloved Make-A-Difference initiative kicked off with Sock-tober, collecting 1,300 pairs of new socks for those in need. And now, their holiday giving project has turned into something truly special.
Each of Palisades’ 11 preschool classrooms stepped up to support local Bergen County families experiencing food insecurity not just by collecting donations, but by rolling up their tiny sleeves and getting involved in the full process.
To launch the project, students attended a Sharing Is Caring assembly led by Executive Director Laura Hubschman-Scuderi and Outreach Coordinator Cassie Bennett. The message was simple but powerful: not all fridges and pantries are full, and even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
And then? The STEAM room turned into a mini grocery store (because of course it did). Class by class, the students came through with shopping lists in hand, choosing just the right number of donated items to build full holiday meal bundles. The project combined learning and compassion in the best ways through counting, organizing, teamwork, and big-hearted giving, all in one go.
The end result? 30 complete holiday meals, plus extra bags of food prepped, packed, and sent off to local food pantries across Bergen County. All thanks to the generosity of Palisades families and the joyful energy of kids who are learning how to care for their community.
Next up: a December toy drive, bringing even more smiles to local kids who could use a little extra magic this season.
At Palisades Country Day, character development starts early — and it shows. From purposeful projects to values-led leadership, they’re proving that even the littlest learners can make a big impact. Palisades is now enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year. Reach out to the school office to book a personal tour and discover what makes their program and community so exceptional.
Palisades Country Day School
248 Herbert Avenue
Closter, NJ 07624
