In May, the Greater Princeton & Far Beyond Branch of AYLUS (GPA) Crafting for Connections Committee hosted events at Livingston Police Department.
Through Crafting Connections, GPA is excited to walk into the local community, spreading creativity and compassion.
GPA is to host monthly crafting sessions and sales moving forward, providing ongoing opportunities for community members to engage, create, and support important causes.
The success of Friday’s event highlights the powerful role that youth-led initiatives and local partnerships can play in fostering inclusion, awareness, and community involvement.
On May 6, 2025, student volunteers from the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS) visited the Livingston Police Department to celebrate Mother’s Day and show appreciation for the women who serve and protect our community.
The students made colorful carnation flowers out of pipe cleaners and handed them out along with thank-you cards to female officers and staff members at the department. They were welcomed by Police Chief Gary Marshuetz, who gave the students a tour and explained the department’s work.
“It’s not just about catching bad guys,” Chief Marshuetz said. “We’re here to help families whenever they need us.”
AYLUS honored several members of the department, including Detective Sheena Maldonado, Officer Jalessa LaSure, Records Clerk Lauren Stolfi, Administrative Assistant Eileen Bauer, and Patrol Officer Joy Klapal.
This event was part of a larger AYLUS project to support first responders across New Jersey. The group hopes to build stronger connections between students and community heroes through small acts of kindness.
GPA Volunteers (5/6, Livingston Police for Mother’s Day Event, 1 hr for all): Cheryl Chen, Juliana Li, Zachary Chen, Caroline Li, Daisy Cheng, James Yang, Chenhao Luo, and Daniel Liang
