Students help friend who lost everything in fire
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK — Friends of a sixth-grade student whose family lost everything in a house fire on May 3 are summoning the community to help out.

The Carpenter Road home of Linwood Middle School student L.J. Williams, who lived there with his parents, his collegeaged sister, his 9-year-old brother and his 6- year-old sister, was deemed inhabitable.

So, fellow students Brianna Codrington, Brandon Mattis, Mace Archer and Khamisi Glover are organizing different fundraisers for the family.

"He lost a home and he lost everything," said Archer, who has known L.J. since kindergarten. "We can help him get his things and get new clothes and things like that."

The students wrote a letter they have been distributing to several local businesses, seeking money, gift cards and items.

They also organized a lemonade stand last week during each lunch period, with the beverages coming from Chartwell's Food Services.

"Every time I needed help he was there to help me," Mattis said, noting that he's known L.J. since first grade and has played soccer and basketball with him. Mattis said he has already collected money and two full bags of food from his Renaissance neighborhood.

"I felt since he is kind of close to me he's like a brother to me … [I want to help] so he doesn't have to worry about this for the rest of his life," said Glover, who has known Williams for about five years. "I think we're still trying to go through this process with him. We're taking one step at a time. We don't want to rush and overfill him with stuff he doesn't need."

The teachers at Linwood held a jean day, and the students will soon have a pajama day, where for donations the school can dress down.

"I think this is really important because his family is like my second family," said Codrington, who lives across the street from the Williamses, and has organized a fundraiser at her dance school in the Hidden Lake area.

LEAL is also collecting items: Women's XL or size 16 shirt and size 11 shoe; men's 4X shirt, size 46 waist and size 14 shoe; men's large shirt, 34 waist paints and size 11.5 shoe; boy's large shirt, size 12 pants, size 6.5 shoe; girl's10/12 dress, XL shirt and size 8.5 shoe.

"If, say it happened to [someone in the community], I think they may want someone to help them out … so to return the favor is nice," Glover said, mentioning how people in his neighborhood near Sabella Park have given him donations on L.J.'s behalf.

Furthermore at Linwood, Principal Pete Clark is participating in Bike to Work Week May 10 - 16 and May 17 - 22, riding his bicycle to and from his home, which is located two miles away from the middle school. He is asking for sponsorship of $1 per mile ridden, and will donate his earnings to support L.J. and his family.

"When our community is down, it's amazing how everyone comes together," Clark said.

In addition, Livingston Park Elementary School held a jean day where staff donated $5 to dress down, and the staff is leading an effort to replace personal belongings such as clothing and toys.

Also, the North Brunswick Soccer Club is trying to coordinate a fundraiser at a local restaurant while seeking other ways to help the family.

Williams said he is "happy" his friends are helping out, and that he is "shocked" the community is reaching out to his family.

To make a donation, contact Linwood Middle School at 732-289-3600.