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 In the midst of performing a record breaking 100 events this season, Holiday Express made a stop at Sisters Academy, on Springwood Avenue.

The nonprofit is celebrating its 25 year anniversary by adding 17 more stops to schedule of spreading spreading holiday cheer and human kindness by delivering music, food, gifts, financial support, and friendship to those in need.

Last month a team of 2,500 volunteers [known as elves] and 150 musicians set out to serve 27,000 people and deliver 17,000 meals within a 49 day time frame. The organization visits the mentally and physically ill, the homeless, the hungry, the physically disabled and students across the State, with stops in New York and Pennsylvania.  

On Wednesday Holiday Express teams landed at Collier School in Marlboro, Family Resource Associates in Shrewsbury, and at Sisters Academy in Asbury Park.  

Founded in 1997, Sisters Academy serves grades five to eight. The independent middle school aims to empower young women by providing them with the tools needed to fulfill the visions they have for themselves and their futures.

The school is a part of the Mercy Center ministerial programs, and among their staff of volunteers is Holiday Express elf Diane Meserlin, who serves as a volunteer gym teacher. Sisters Academy only has four paid staff members.  

“The girls didn’t hesitate to hit the dance floor and sing along with the Holiday Express Band,” Holiday Express spokeswoman Krista Newbert said. “They were thrilled to hear the school’s Principal, Sister Mary Lou, perform with the band and were ecstatic when the Grinch entered the building.”

Lunch was provided by Jersey Mike’s subs to the 60 middle school students.

For more about Holiday Express, visit holidayexpress.org.

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