Vernon Valley Karate clothing drive a success

VERNON — The Vernon Valley Karate Academy teaches its members the art and techniques of the dynamic martial art Shurin-Ryu Karate.

“Standing up for our safety and values by being assertive and formidable is certainly a primary goal," owner and Sensei Tom Shull said. "Yet our main focus is to develop positive attitudes and social values… those that lead to developing friendships and recognizing the need to help others. Whenever an opportunity to provide aid and comfort to local organizations or citizens arises, our karate family has always stepped up to lend support. Whether this is reflected by our ongoing support of the Vernon PAL, the Little League and Soccer programs, the local VFW, the Vernon Animal Shelter, Cystic Fibrosis and Heart Association Funds, and clothing drives that help out local families in need, or through individual acts of kindness displaying our empathy for those having hard times, my students are ready to help.”

This past week, the students of Vernon Valley Karate have collected what amounts to well over a thousand items of new and good condition articles of clothing to donate to local families through the Alamo Farmworkers Community Center from Goshen, N.Y.

Retired Vernon Police Lieutenant Gary Gardner who has worked closely with the karate academy for the past 20 years as they have worked to support the Vernon PAL organized this clothing drive to support area families through his connection with Alamo.

“I am so very proud of all of my students and their families for continually displaying support and compassion toward our community,” Shull said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Vernon Valley Karate Academy and the Vernon PAL Karate program should contact them at (973) 764-3104.