55°
Remi Presky lost her home in a fire in March. She lived in a hotel since then with her mother Janet and father Ray.
In late November Janet Citrangelo, Remi's mother, passed away from a sudden illness.
The many tragedies for the Presky family led Carrie Sheehan to action. A family friend for years, Sheehan wanted Remi to have something to look forward to during the holidays.
"She's a very upbeat, amazing girl considering what's gone on in her life the past seven months," Sheehan said of Remi Presky. "I'm just amazed at her strength. It's pretty incredible."
Remi, a senior at Passaic Tech High School, hopes to attend college next year. She is active in theater and performs in many productions, Sheehan said.
Her mother Janet frequently volunteered for Ringwood schools and served on the board of education, even after Remi went out of district.
"She didn't have a lot but if you needed help she would give you whatever you needed," Sheehan said of Janet Citrangelo.
Sheehan recently picked up some donated gifts for Remi, which are being collected by Karen Adatto at Coldwell Banker in Ringwood. New clothes will help, Sheehan said.
Some requested items include shoes size 10, shirts size medium, pants size large, and dresses size medium.
Other potential gifts include makeup, electronics and gift cards.
"This community rallies around people and reaches out to help," Sheehan said.
Sheehan will collect gifts until Dec. 23. Donations should be clearly marked with Remi's name, since Coldwell Banker is also collecting for Toys for Tots.
TO DONATE: Drop off gifts to Coldwell Banker, 130 Skyline Drive in Ringwood.
Click here to follow Daily Voice North Passaic and receive free news updates.
