United Way of Morris County News
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UPS Teaches Teens to Drive Right…In Life
June 28, 2006

Don't do drugs.  Make smart choices.  Stay in school.  Teenagers may hear these phrases from adults in their life almost every day, but don't often get a chance to “make the connection,” and see what opportunities are in their future if they don't do drugs, don't make smart choices, and don't stay in school.

In a matter of hours, half a dozen teenagers from Morristown learned these important life lessons – and more – when UPS in Mt. Olive, NJ hosted a special tour for six teenagers involved with the Teen/Tot Learning Project.  The UPS tour was an extraordinary opportunity for these teens to see future career opportunities, and see first-hand how hard work, perseverance, and smart choices pay off in the long run. 

The Teen/Tot Learning Project is a revolutionary program that trains and employs teenagers as teacher assistants in Collinsville Child Care Center and Children on the Green, two United Way member agencies that primarily serve low-income children and families.  The project also provides leadership and vocational training opportunities to young men. 

Gary Sanderson, division manager, North Jersey district, hosted the special tour, and showed the boys everything from the company's board room to its gigantic car wash, designed especially for its fleet of trucks.  He shared some of the company's history, and talked with the teenagers about what it takes to start and maintain a career with UPS.

Mr. Sanderson also talked of the importance of a clean driving record – a must for any UPS driver.  He discussed the significance of making smart choices now – staying in school, staying off drugs, and wearing a seatbelt.  A special treat for the teens was the opportunity to sit in the driver's seat of a UPS "big rig." 

United Way of Morris County, Collinsville Child Care Center, and Children on the Green gratefully acknowledge UPS, Mr. Gary Sanderson, and his team for their generous support, and for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of our future leaders.  Thank you!

To find out more about the Teen/Tot Learning Project, and how you can be involved, please email Rebecca Fernandez or phone 973.993.1160, x129 or phone Karen Wasick at 973.267.0082.