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235 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724  /  732.542.4777

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Ranney Partners with Holiday Express

As the winter holiday season approaches, Ranney School will once again work in tandem with Holiday Express, which delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those in need of the greatest gift one can receive during the holiday season and throughout the year — human kindness. This partnership, which marks Ranney’s third year working with the wonderful organization, gives families, faculty and friends the opportunity to make a difference through community service and celebration this holiday season.

Founded by restaurateur Tim McLoone in 1993, Holiday Express is comprised of more than 1,300 volunteers – including 80+ professional musicians. It reaches out to adults and children who are physically and mentally disabled, living with AIDS or homeless, as well as the isolated elderly and others in need. Tim and volunteers from Holiday Express are wonderful role models of selfless service, who show Ranney students the importance of giving year-round.

The partnership between Ranney School and Holiday Express was recognized at the annual Holiday Express Sunset Clambake. During the event held September, 2011, Head of School Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D. accepted the Crystal Star Award, presented in appreciation of those who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to Holiday Express. In addition to two sold-out benefit concerts held in RSPA Panther Hall, the Ranney community has contributed thousands of items for Holiday Express gift bags, dedicated hundreds of hours to stuffing gift bags and preparing items in the organization’s Tinton Falls warehouse, and raised nearly $35,000 through fundraising efforts and concert ticket sales. In addition to supporting Holiday Express through time and treasure, Upper School students and members of the Performing Arts Department have also donated their talents, performing with the group at each Ranney-hosted concert.

In 2011, the tradition of support continues. Beginning November 12, the RSPA will be organizing its community service arm known as “Ranney Families Make a Difference” to volunteer at Holiday Express headquarters on Shrewsbury Avenue. There will be four opportunities for Ranney families to participate in the coming weeks: Saturday, November 12, from 9:30 a.m. until noon; Saturday, November 19, from 9:30 a.m. until noon; Friday, December 2, from 3:45 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.; and Friday, December 9, from 3:45 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Due to a limit of 25 volunteers at a time, the RSPA asks that those interested please register in advance by emailing RSPA@ranneyschool.org. Holiday Express does ask that students be 10 years of age or older to volunteer. All Ranney students who attend will receive credit towards their community service hours.

Even if you are unable to attend sessions at the Holiday Express warehouse, you can still participate by donating items needed from their “Wish List.” This year, Ranney School has been asked to collect the following items: wool hats, toothbrushes and washcloths. The Parents’ Association has placed collection bins throughout the Lower School Academic Complex and the Middle and Upper School Building.

Finally, a highlight of the season, Holiday Express will return to RSPA Panther Hall for its annual benefit concert on Thursday, December 8. For the past two Decembers, this holiday-themed show, which also features Ranney’s Upper School musicians, has not only warmed the hearts of a sell-out crowd, but has also filled students, parents, faculty and friends with the spirit of giving.

Tickets are available and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets may be purchased by making a $50 donation per ticket in-person at the Special Events Office on the second floor of the Annex, or by mailing the return portion of the school’s Holiday Express invitation. All proceeds go directly to Holiday Express. Reservations will not be accepted over the phone. Checks should be made payable to Holiday Express.

Any additional questions regarding upcoming Holiday Express events and activities can be addressed to the Special Events Office by phone at 732-542-4777, extension 1181 or by email at tmutchiga@ranneyschool.org.
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society. 

We envision Ranney School as a nurturing learning community, in which families, faculty, alumni, and all of Ranney’s constituents collaborate to know and value every child, foster individual talents, sustain powerful connections between children and adults, and graduate resilient, globally-minded citizens.