Since its inception in 2000, Share USA has helped numerous local individuals and families in providing financial and educational support. These recipients include:

• The family of a young girl who had fallen ill with cancer received support through fundraising in order to provide the proper medical services.


• A local fire fighter's family was given support through donations after he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.


• A young woman who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer was assisted through fundraising in order to help support her efforts as a single mother.


• A young woman with tracheal stenosis who was unable to receive appropriate medical services due to her lack of financial options received a donation from us in order to help with her medical consultations and proper diagnosis.


• Our donations helped a young man's family pay their bills after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was no longer able to work.


• An elderly woman with a toxic blood condition was able to gain the necessary medications through our efforts.


• A benefit for the most needy of the World Trade Center disaster who had been left financially destitute, including custodians, kitchen and cafeteria workers and other support staff, were helped through our benefits.


• Numerous scholarships have also been established, including the Traphagen Family Scholarship Fund, which has helped students in need at Bergen Community College.


• Scholarships and grants have been given in support of eliminating the disparities of educational opportunities between children living high and low-income communities across America.


• Financial help has been provided to local high school students participating in international student exchange programs. Our support has helped these students foster invaluable experiences of multiculturalism.

In 2005 Share USA extended itself to include the international community through donations received for the purpose of helping the children of the rural town of Monte Plata in the Dominican Republic.

The Eva M. Russell School in Monte Plata was started by Ramon Prenza and his wife Juana in a chicken coop about 18 years ago. It now accomodates 185 students in grades K through 8. In addition to their education, a free breakfast and hot lunch are provided daily. For many of the children, these are the only meals they will eat all week. In the summer of 2006, the Prenzas started the Casa Monte Plata Orphanage for children who otherwise would have no place to live. It currently consists of two houses each with 8-10 children who reside there with house parents. Both the school and the orphanage are completely funded through private donations.

Share USA became involved with the Eva Russell School after one of our board members, Alice Pearce, spent time there teaching health and hygiene to the students. In spite of the difficult circumstances under which they live, the children and staff are warm, friendly, and loving. Shortly after Alice returned home her father in law, George Pearce, passed away. The family set up a memorial in his name that ultimately funded the construction of an 8th grade classroom, its curriculum and teacher's salary.