As part of its 27th annual Turkey Trot, a one-mile fun run and walk conducted the day before Thanksgiving on school grounds, Conackamack Middle School in Piscataway collected more than 1,300 nonperishable food items for donation to the township’s FISH Hospitality Program (FHP) in honor of Marisa Tufaro and the tax-exempt nonprofit bearing her name.

Conackamack’s event, held annually since 1992, has generated more than 76,000 nonperishable items for donation to local food banks.

The winners of the school’s annual grade-level races receive a $20 gift certificate to Shop Rite, which is frequently re-donated to purchase more food for families in need.

More than 100 students participated in Conacakamack’s Turkey Trot, while the rest of the student population cheered them on.

Girls wore purple ribbons in their hair and boys wore purple headbands, reflecting Marisa Tufaro’s favorite color and the official color of the foundation bearing her name.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, established in loving memory of Marisa Tufaro, who died last year at the age of 13 following complications from a heart transplant, helps pediatric patients and other children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Despite undergoing six open-heart surgeries, being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctor’s appointments, Marisa Tufaro, who was born with a complex cardiac defect, lived a vibrant life that inspired.

Since its inception less than 17 months ago, the foundation has already made a profound impact, donating more than $50,000 and spearheading multiple community initiatives, as well as awarding college scholarship dollars to exceptional high school students who advance the nonprofit’s mission.

For years, the Tufaro family has donated clothing to FHP, which provides shelter, meals, clothing and other services to homeless families and single women in Middlesex County. Marisa frequently accompanied her parents to FHP’s headquarters on New Market Road to drop off those items, thus Conackamack’s donation to FHP in Marisa’s honor and memory has special meaning.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is making a donation in honor of Conackamack’s students and staff to FHP, whose mission is to give those it serves an opportunity to live independently in their communities as respected families and individuals. As resources allow, FHP assists and enables its guests to obtain housing, jobs, medical services and other assistance to which they are entitled.

Kevin Donahue, a physical education teacher at Conackamack and former assistant girls basketball coach at Piscataway High School, who knew Marisa’s father, Greg, a sports writer with the Home News Tribune, broached the idea of donating this year’s nonperishable collections in honor of Marisa Tufaro with his teaching partners, Johanna Reid and Justin Strasser.

Conackamack Principal Donna DeAngelis White, Assistant Principal Dr. Maria Cetta, Athletic Director and Supervisor of 9-12 Physical Education & Health Rob Harmer and Julie Schick, Assistant Athletic Director & Supervisor of K-8 Physical Education & Health, supported and embraced the concept. Dr. Frank Ranelli, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, attended and donated canned goods to the drive.

Greg Tufaro, who attended the Turkey Trot, and his wife Cyndi, the principal at James Monroe Elementary School in Edison, were deeply touched by Conackamack’s thoughtfulness and generosity.

Please consider watching the video above or clicking on any of the links below to learn about how The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has already made a profound impact on the lives of Middlesex County children in need.

Partnered with Old Bridge and South Brunswick high schools to collect thousands of toys for pediatric patients at Saint Peter’s University Children’s Hospital and Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital.

Funded the purchase of brand new metal bunk beds for campers at Kiddie Keep Well Camp, which serves more than 600 underserved Middlesex County children annually.

Partnered with the Kittim N. Sherrod Foundation to provide a youth football and cheerleading organization with a bilingual state-of-the art automated external defibrillator, as well as AED and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for adult members of the organization.

Supported instruction and supplies for an art therapy program at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital, to which the foundation also provided funds for infant mobiles and toy cars staff use to transport children to the operating room for surgery.

Provided money for equipment and supplies for students with disabilities who utilize the Lakeview School’s newly constructed aquatics center.

Conducted a boardwalk-themed Family Fun Night at Children’s Specialized Hospital, where the sights, sounds and smells of the Jersey Shore were brought to patients and their families through carnival games, food, prizes, music and more.

Partnered with Teamwork Unlimited Foundation to provide medical alert bracelets to children with autism and pediatric patients with chronic illness who receive outstanding care from Children’s Specialized Hospital, which annually serves more than 34,000 children statewide.

Partially funded the Make-A-Wish of a Middlesex County boy who is winning a battle with high-risk neuroblastoma to vacation with his family at Walt Disney World.

Provided physical therapy at Special Strides Therapeutic Riding Centerand Project Walk for Middlesex County children whose families do not have health insurance or whose families’ health insurer does not cover the cost of the physical therapy.

Partnered with Edison High School and the Chamberlain College of Nursing to raise money and collect nonperishable food items to benefit Middlesex County children and their families through Hands of Hope via our foundation’s participation in the Race to Outrun Hunger.

Provided new iPads and gaming system accessories (Xbox and PS4 games, controllers, chargers) for adolescent patients at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital

Parrtnered with Old Bridge and South Brunswick high schools to collect thousands of toys for pediatric patients at Saint Peter’s University Children’s Hospital and Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital.

Assisted multiple families whose children are in medical crisis, providing financial support through the payment of medical and/or personal expenses to help lessen the burden of parents who have lost wages while spending time at the hospital.

Paid forward the kindness of Bishop Ahr High School by supporting its annual Ahr Stars dinner to help children in need.

Provided summer art camp scholarships to Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Art Museum for Middlesex County elementary and middle school students.

Rewarded high school students for their community service to children with scholarships.

Provided meals and goods for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Jersey.

Provided scholarships to Greater Middlesex Conference student-athletes.

Partnered with Middlesex High School to conduct a coat drive for Middlesex County children.

Provided gift cards for pediatric patients and their families.