Fund raiser for Joan’s Monarch Wishes

MONROE — Three Monroe-Woodbury High School students who make decorative bracelets and key chains and who were looking to find a group they could support and raise money for presented a $2,775 check to Joan’s Monarch Wishes on Nov. 16.

Twin sisters Nicole and Paige Coombs, along with good friend Allison Murphy, recently formed Circles of Hope. Using soda can tabs and decorative ribbon, the girls create decorative bracelets and key chains.

The girls had been searching for a while for a group that they could support and raise money for through the sales of their creations.

When the girls read a recent Photo News story about Joan’s Monarch Wishes, they knew they had found the group they wanted to support, according to Joan’s Monarch Wishes officials. The girls came to the first card-signing event last July to introduce themselves, create cards and tell organizers of their desire to help the group.

Since then, they have been selling their creations at various venues - including the recent Monroe Cheese Festival - all while promoting Joan’s Monarch Wishes.

In addition, the girls were recent honorees at Straus News’ Girls Expo in Sparta, N.J.

“The money they raised will certainly help us to continue our mission of sending cards to those living with cancer to lift their spirits and encourage them in their brave battle against the disease,” said Jen Schnaars, who runs the group with her sister Lori Genzel.

Joan’s Monarch Wishes honors the memory of longtime Monroe resident Joan Smith, who died of lung cancer in August 2010 by supporting those living with cancer with cards containing messages of hope, encouragement and cheer.

To learn more about providing cards to the group, call Lori Genzel at 774-5698 or Jen Schnaars at 781-3898.

- Nancy Kriz