Helping the community on Independence Day

By Amy Shewchuk
SPARTA — As thousands of people came together for 4th of July celebrations and legendary fireworks on Lake Mohawk, four members of the Sparta community saw an opportunity to help the less fortunate.
Mayor Josh Hertzberg, Mohawk House owner Steve Scro, Sparta VFW Post Commander Pete Litchfield and VFW Trustee John Finkeldie joined forces for a pop-up fundraiser at Scro’s family-owned auto body shop located on East Shore Trail on Lake Mohawk.
Scro purchased the shop which had been in his family for generations not only to keep his family’s legacy but also to renovate and utilize the building for good for the community.
Scro, Litchfield and Finkeldie had an idea for a fundraiser on July 3rd benefitting the VFW when Mayor Hertzberg approached them with another idea — to raise money and supplies for the Center for Prevention & Counseling, a county-based organization that promotes addiction=-free lives and assistss at-risk youth.
“I had met Becky Carlson, executive director for the Center for Prevention and Counseling at their Grand Opening.” Hertzberg said. “She gave me a tour of the new facility and mentioned that, while funding comes from grants, there was still room for improvement, such as comfortable chairs and other supplies. I asked Becky to give me a list of things they need and said that I would see what I could do to help, and that’s how this whole thing started.”
Hertzberg brought Scro onboard and the two approached Litchfield with the idea to include the Center for Prevention at the July 3rd fundraiser.
"He didn’t even blink an eye, he was in,” Hertzberg said. “The next thing we knew, the VFW was donating chairs and ready to raise funds for other supplies for the Center.”
“We have always worked together hand in hand for events for the community but this is the first time that we have joined forces on this particular holiday, which is very fitting being Independence Day,” Scro said. “The VFW does so many great things, so it’s nice to be able to give back to them as well. It’s good does good does good.”
“Steve is always doing these things behind the scenes, always organizing these fundraisers,’ said John Finkeldie, retired U.S. Marine and Trustee of the VFW. “But it’s funny because then the VFW is donating its funds to help other people. It’s always good to see all these non-profit organizations doing what they can to help.”
“If it wasn’t for Steve, the VFW building might have shut down,” Litchfield said. “To think that 3 years ago we had only $1000 in the bank and this year we gave away $19,680 and $6000 in scholarships.”
The event raised funds through ticket sales which provided food and beverages and a place for folks to convene during the fireworks.
“Our non-profit agency is grateful to the Sparta VFW for providing us with funding to assist with our program that serves youth and their families in Sussex County,” Carlson said. “Their generosity and willingness to make a difference is truly appreciated.”
“Do right by your neighbors and doing good is contagious,” Scro said. “When you get good people together you can move mountains.”
“That’s one thing that’s always been special about the Sparta community, people are always willing to lend a hand and step up for good causes,” Hertzberg said.
The Center for Prevention and Counseling is located at 61 Spring Street in Newton, NJ. For more information call 973-383-4787 or to view their Wish List, make a donation or inquire about services visit <URL destination="http://www.centerforprevention.org ">www.centerforprevention.org