Lincoln Annex Kindergarten Delivers Pizza – and Message of Love – to Hospital Workers

The teachers, staff, and students of Lincoln Annex Kindergarten in North Bergen wanted to show their appreciation to the medical staff at Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center, so they pitched in to create something special.

Clips of kids and teachers sharing specially-created artwork and messages of love and support – all created independently while exercising social distancing – were compiled into a video to express the students’ gratitude to those on the front lines fighting every day to stop the spread of COVID-19, and to let them know how much their dedication means to those at home.

Under the name Kindergarten Kares, the project was originally proposed as a simple thank-you meal for hospital staff, but blossomed into a much more personal and heartfelt expression of appreciation under the guiding hand of teachers Kathleen Fonde and Rita Stampe and kindergarten director Esther Ortega.

The surprised healthcare workers at Palisades Medical Center were deeply touched by the video and its uplifting message. “This is so beautiful!” wrote Director of External Affairs Nikki Mederos. “Amazing. Thank you!!!!” Given the long hours and difficult, dangerous conditions under which the hospital employees continue to work tirelessly, the video provided a welcome expression of hope and compassion from the community, helping to raise staff spirits with its positive message.

The video was delivered on April 8 along with a tall stack of pizzas purchased with donations from the school teachers and staff. Water was donated by Palermo Pizza, and Barcian Printing donated a Kindergarten Kares banner. The video was edited by Sabrina Stampe, broadcast associate at MLB network. Also supporting the project were Tom Stampe, School Superintendent Dr. George Solter, Hospital Vice President Joseph Burt, and Executive Assistant Phyllis Capote.