Students from Mater Dei High School in New Monmouth are on a mission to save the environment and help those in need at the same time.
And they're doing it with light bulbs, specifically, energy-saving florescent.
It's the re-light New Jersey project started by sophomores Matt Erickson and John Caddock.
Big fans of going green--the two friends came up with the idea to buy and distribute light bulbs to charitable organizations in their area.
"The bulbs that we're giving them only use 15 watt. So it saves 75 percent of energy and countless money for each bulb," said John Caddock. "You're saving so much money and helping your environment at the same time."
"We're giving light bulbs to people who normally wouldn't be able to afford them," said Matt Erickson. "So this is a good thing to get other people to switchover to energy efficient light bulbs."
The teens have raised over one thousand dollars.
Looking to expand the cause, Matt and John are working on getting their classmates to pitch-in, pack-up and also solicit donations.
"It's fun doing this," said a student. "You help the families, saving the environment and go green."
"You get to hang out with your friends and you're doing something to help other people as well," said other student.
"The school is very supportive of their activity and we're finding the ways to continue to support them," a teacher said.
The first drop off was last month to a food pantry in Red Bank.
These 450 or so lights packaged today will be given away next week to a charitable group in Keansburg.
How You Can Help Out:
Re-light New Jersey is looking for volunteers and donations. For more information on how you can help, visit www.relightnj.com.
