#FRONTSTEPSPROJECT: Packanack Lake, New Jersey

4/10/2020

So. I heard about this amazing project - which started out in Boston, MA - and I wanted to hop on ASAP and bring the project here to the amazing community I live in.

Packanack Lake, New Jersey.

What an amazing project.

If you haven't heard about it. Let me tell you a little bit about how it all came together.

I went around from house to house - taking these portraits of families on their front steps - while keeping and practicing extreme social distancing. I was basically in the street/sidewalk when I took all of these images you see. Sometimes I was even in the middle of the road. Thank goodness for a great zoom. I asked all the families in my lake community to sign up about a week in advance - if they were interested. Once they signed up, I coordinated my itinerary for driving around and taking their pictures. We have a WEST side and an EAST side to our lake - so I began on my side, the west side.

Each of these families received a visit from me as well as digital downloads of their images - for FREE.
I volunteered my time, in exchange for a donation from every family that participated. The donations my team and I have set up are for ALL for FRONT LINE employees.

Here are a few places that will be receiving our donations; because during this time, we cannot think of a more beautiful way to give back than to reach out to our neighbors who sacrifice so much.  In line with the objective of the #FRONTSTEPSPROJECT, we will be collecting donations for the following:

·   Chilton Medical Center
·   Valley Hospital
·   Mount Sinai Hospital
·   Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
·   Hackensack University Medical Center
·   Morristown Medical Center
·   Maywood Police Department
·   Various Essential Workers within the Packanack Lake Community”

My wonderful helpers will be putting together gift baskets and care packages for the amazing people who work at all the above mentioned! As of right now we have raised $840 with more money coming in everyday!

I photographed 55 families on the WEST SIDE so far. I have about 40 more on the east side starting tomorrow. And then one more day next weekend for MAKEUPS! Life happens. I am hoping to visit 100 front steps!

So, thank you PACKANACK - for hopping on board with this effort that I am so happy to work on! Not to mention - I get to escape my own quarantine home and visit yours....all while putting smiles on your faces while really - I am the one who is smiling even bigger. Thank you for being the amazing community I am so, so proud to be a part of.

A little excerpt from the original project's photographer...."The purpose of this project is to bring us together virtually when we might feel isolated. We aim to highlight the faces of our community during a time when we might not see them in passing at the grocery store, coffee shop, on the train or at the gym. Participating in this project is also an opportunity to step up to help those who need it most right now. " - The Front Steps Project

Featured Families for the WEST SIDE

"The hearts on our front door are to honor those on the front line, helping us all stay safe and battling this virus. We have lost that sense of urgency of having to be somewhere at a certain time so when we needed to be ready for the picture, the four of us showered and got dressed (much nicer than we’ve dressed in weeks!) in 30 minutes. Our front step also represents our connection to the community, the place we spend time waving and chatting with friends and neighbors as they pass by." - The Stanchak Family

"We’re feeling unsure of what the future holds, but also looking for silver linings wherever we can. We’re thankful to have this photo to remind us of this time we are sharing together (while still remaining apart from the rest of our family and friends). With Easter right around the corner, we wish our surrounding neighbors safe and healthy days ahead." - The Brown Family

"Given these challenging times we are all living through, we thank God that we’re healthy and safe. While all of this craziness is happening, we are soaking up every second of our two greatest accomplishments. We are living for this moment now and we’ll deal with what happens tomorrow, tomorrow. Thank you to all of the frontline workers for your courageous efforts in getting us through all of this. 🌈" - The Galarza Family

"When we #stayhome we become #strongertogether and hope that sooner than later #thistooshallpass. #feelingblessed for everyone and everything we have in our lives!" - The Fiorentino Family

"The Benedetto’s have found the silver lining during this pandemic: BONUS FAMILY TIME...oh, and red wine... (hey, it’s good for circulation 😉)...Cheers! Stock up and Stay home!"

"When Lynda presented us with this project, I was completely overwhelmed with her generosity and willingness to create more opportunity to help out our healthcare and frontline heroes. Normally technology is something that I shield my kids from. "It's what's running the world!" But now, with this uncertain time, I have nothing but unbelievable gratitude for technology, so I thought we would honor it here. Thank you to all those doers and computer geniuses who helped us have so much ability to connect even when we are so far apart." - The Bauer Family

“Loving the time together, even with a math teacher mom. Learning to appreciate the true heroes. Lucky to live in an incredible community.” - The Wyatt Family

"Lots of adjustments have been made in our lives with all that has been going on. We have been trying to juggle a lo: from work, to school , and always finding time for some fun. Some days have been tough but we are so grateful for our health and the extra time we get to spend together” - The Tower Family

More West Side Families...

If you would like to contribute to this great project and donate any little bit you've got. Go ahead and click on that link below - you will be taken to VENMO (only accepted payment right now) to donate what you can! Just write in the message box - where you would like to see your donation go!

DONATE HERE!