Millie Brooks (#26), chairperson of the Paterson Education Association's Philanthropic Fund, has issued a call for all members to support the activities of the Fund through automatic payroll deductions (APD).

The Fund sponsors a myriad of projects including the P.E.A. Patriots little league baseball team, which provides 12 and 13 year old Paterson students with the opportunity to play baseball in the Old Timers' Midget League program.

The Mildred L. Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund provides four $1,000 scholarships each year to high school seniors who graduate from Paterson public high schools and intend to major in a field of education.

The Fund also contributes to the North Jersey News "Bear Hugs for the Holidays" program, which provides new teddy bears to hospitalized children in Paterson.

The Fund also provides money for the high school National History Day Competition Team, Senator John Girgenti's Annual Children's Toy Drive, and provides funding for many other City organizations that provide scholarships to Paterson public school students.

Donations from every staff member are needed to continue and expand these programs. A donation of as little as fifty-cents ($.50) per paycheck from each staff member would provide the Fund with the opportunity to do even more to help Paterson students.

By agreeing to automatic payroll deductions, the contribution would be taken from each check during the year. These donations would go to the Philanthropic Fund, and are not part of the Association's general budget.

The Internal Revenue Service prohibits the use of dues money for these kinds of programs.So funds must be solicited separately. To continue these worthwhile programs, we need your help.

APD forms are available through the P.E.A. office, or your building Delegate. For more information, contact the P.E.A. at (973) 8819445.