Hackensack Clean Communities and the Hackensack Police Department’s LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) program teamed up for a powerful new initiative that brought environmental education and personal empowerment to local second graders.

On Friday, April 25th, in celebration of Arbor Day, Hackensack Clean Communities Co-Coordinator Frank Borrelli joined LEAD ambassadors Lt. Anthony DiPersia, Sgt. Luis Dominguez, and Det. Felix Katsaroans to visit every second-grade classroom across Hackensack. Their mission: to share the inspiring message of Amanda Gorman’s children’s book, Something Someday.

The initiative, led by Hackensack Clean Communities—a program dedicated to reducing litter and promoting sustainability—aimed to plant the seeds of environmental responsibility and personal growth in young minds. Arbor Day provided the perfect backdrop, highlighting the importance of nurturing both the environment and the next generation.

To support the effort, Hackensack Clean Communities provided more than 450 copies of Something Someday, ensuring each second-grade student received abook to take home. The gift offered a lasting reminder of the day’s message, while also promoting literacy and self-empowerment.

Hackensack Police Chief Michael Antista emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “Hackensack Police is thrilled to partner with the Hackensack Clean Communities environmental mission to distribute books in honor of Arbor Day. This initiative promotes literacy and instills a sense of environmental stewardship in our youth.”

The LEAD program played a pivotal role in the collaboration. Designed to equip students with the tools to make safe, informed choices, LEAD focuses on drug and violence prevention while building trust between students and law enforcement. In Hackensack, the program complements Hackensack Clean Communities’ environmental mission by encouraging resilience, ethical decision-making, and civic pride.

“The LEAD officers have a real impact on our youth,” said Frank Borrelli, Hackensack Clean Communities Co-Coordinator. “When they walked into the auditorium, the kids lit up—cheering, giving high fives, and treating them like superheroes. That connection helped make the message of Something Someday even more powerful. Because the students look up to the officers, they really listened, and you could see how much they connected with the book’s themes of hope, action, and making a difference. Through our partnership, we’re proud to help expand that influence, and we look forward to future opportunities to work together.”

Written by poet and activist Amanda Gorman, Something Someday celebrates hope, resilience, and the power of individual action. Through its poetic storytelling and vivid illustrations, the book encourages young readers to believe in their ability to create meaningful change—no matter how small their actions may seem.

Gorman, who rose to international prominence as the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, is renowned for work that explores identity, justice, and the transformative power of youth activism. Her words continue to inspire readers of all ages to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Through their partnership, Hackensack Clean Communities and the LEAD program have set a new standard for educational initiatives, blending environmental stewardship with personal empowerment. Their collaboration goes beyond celebrating Arbor Day—it inspires young people to take pride in their community and believe in their power to shape its future.