The Return of Kean’s Helping Younger Hands Club
By Emily Robles | Published by February 21, 2020
In the Spring 2020 semester, Kean University re-introduced the Helping Younger Hands club as they made their comeback after taking a year-long hiatus.
Helping Younger Hands is a club at Kean University that raises awareness about disabilities and disorders among children. The club was originally founded in Fall 2018 by Breanna Hernandez. However, she was unable to continue for the revival. The club now has a brand new e-board and is ready to pick up where they left off.
“Some of the e-board members at the first event” Photo by Emily Robles
This new e-board consists of President Makenzie Powell, Vice President Madison Dymond, Secretary Nicolette DeFazio, Treasurer Lia DeBono, Director of Public Relations McKenzie Alter and Professor Jea Lizz Basubas as the club’s advisor.
“While most members [of the club] are Education majors, all majors are welcome to join,” said Professor Basubas.
Basubas became the club’s new advisor this semester and is also a Kean alumnus. Basubas has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-6 with a second major in English Literature from Kean University. She is also an adjunct professor in the Special Education and Literacy Department here at Kean University.
“I was a member before, but Breanna couldn’t continue, so Madison and I and a few other girls stepped up to help,” said Powell. “I’m really excited to start this backup and do my best.”
When asked why she originally joined the club, Nicolette DeFazio said it was because she wanted to get more involved on campus. “I thought this was a great opportunity,” said DeFazio.
The club’s first event was held on Feb.10 in New Upper’s multipurpose room and students were invited to make Valentine’s Day-themed cards and goodie bags for children in the Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ.
“We knew Valentine’s Day was coming up, so we thought this was a cool idea and people would want to come and help out,” said DeBono “Since this is kind of a new club, we’re trying to spread the word out as much as we can.”
“E-board members at the first meeting of the semester” Photo by Emily Robles
The club provided markers and construction paper for students to make and decorate the cards with. They also brought in Play Poh, stickers and bubbles to put into the goodie bags. Students were encouraged to make as many cards and bags as they wanted.
“I think this is a great club to have on campus,” said History Pre-Law/Political Science major Chelsea Leon. “Not a lot of people would take the time to do this, so I think it’s great.”
When asked how she found out about the event, Leon said she found a flyer promoting the event slipped under her door in her dorm.
“I believe this is so amazing because not everyone is as fortunate as us,” said Stephen Holman II, a Sustainability Science major. “It’s up to us to make sure everyone knows how appreciated and unique they are.”
The club has many other event ideas planned for the semester such as bake sales, a dance marathon, and even a Chipotle fundraiser.
The club meetings are every week on Tuesdays and Thursdays during college hour, 3:15-4:30 pm in Hennings Hall room 106.
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