I am impressed at how Max so comfortably fits in. He breezes in to the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County and starts giving right away.

After helping kids with their homework he reads to them from a Dr. Suess book or any of the other wonderful titles he has collected and donates to the after school program located on Monroe Avenue in Asbury Park.

After we photographed for a time, Max reluctantly left earlier than his usual volunteer monday afternoon visit so he could accomadate my schedule to photograph his latest book collection.

I was fortunate to drive him home and this time gave me a chance to speak to Max about his experience volunteering at B&GCof MC.  My head was spinning from what i saw and Max’s experience has led him to be incredibly perceptive about what these kids are up against.

He is keenly aware that for most of these kids the struggle is far reaching. We discussed how the children who are bright (and he mentioned there are many) also sadly have very little support in the culture. For many of these children it is hard to be proud of academic achievements.

We discussed the deeper part of this cultural phenomenon and how it is just understood that to be smart is not very popular.

Max’s insights into the kids he helps and their challenges moved and inspired me,

so much so, that i took my daughter, Sara, to play speed ball with the kids there on Thursday afternoon.

She was welcomed with open arms by the wonderful staff and Ms. Leah, and after a little time of being shy, sara played games with someof the boys.
We plan to go back there again and help kids with homework. There is no better role model to kids than another kid.

Max I think what your doing is great and I am so glad I got to go along with you and take a look first hand, thanks…