Volunteers Fix Home of Children's Advocate

Volunteers from "Rebuilding Together Bergen County" helped improve the Hillsdale home of local children's safety advocate Rosemarie D'Alessandro Saturday.

D'Alessandro pushed for the passage of Joan's Law, which eliminates the possibility of parole for those who murder young children. The law is named after D'Alessandro's daughter, who was 7 when a neighbor killed her in 1973.

Lynn Buckingham of Rebuilding Together said that D'Alessandro's advocacy made her stand out as someone they wanted to help. The home doubles as the offices of the Joan Angela D'Alessandro Memorial Foundation.

"She really is active in the county and has made a big difference in aid to children and safety for children," Buckingham said.

Volunteers from Rebuilding Together made electrical and ventilation upgrades, carpentry repairs and did some painting in the home.

Westwood resident Ed Mathis and Hillsdale resident Tom Duggan were a part of the crew.

Rebuilding Together improves the homes of seniors, veterans, families and others who are unable to maintain their homes themselves.

Buckingham said they are extending their application deadline this year for those whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. For more information, check out Rebuilding Together's website.

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