Most kids look forward to receiving gifts on their birthday. Hoboken’s Jacob Cyprys is hoping to give something back.
With more than $2,300 raised so far, Jacob currently leads fundraising efforts for The Hoboken Shelter’s HoBOOken 5K on October 25, helping support neighbors facing hunger and homelessness.
And he's not stopping there. With his 12th birthday coming up this Sunday, October 11, Jacob has a special birthday wish: to inspire others to make a $12 donation to help neighbors facing hunger and homelessness.
A 6th grade student at Hoboken’s Dual Language Charter School (HoLa), Jacob has been rallying family, friends, and neighbors to support the Shelter for the past month.
His connection to the HoBOOken 5K goes back nearly a decade. In 2017, at just three years old, Jacob participated in the Scary Scurry kids' race alongside his younger brother Cameron and friends. This year, he'll tackle his first full 5K.
An avid basketball and soccer player, Jacob began running longer distances with his mom about five months ago. Their weekend runs through Hoboken have become a favorite tradition, especially the stops at Dunkin' Donuts afterward.
But it's what motivates Jacob beyond the finish line that makes his story special.
"I have a wish for everyone to have a home of their own, and I want to do my part to achieve that goal as much as possible," Jacob said. "Running this race and raising money for the Hoboken Shelter is one way for me to do that, and I hope it motivates others to do the same."
“Jacob has such a big heart, and we're incredibly proud of his hard work and determination,” said Jaclyn Cherubini, Executive Director of The Hoboken Shelter. “He's a wonderful reminder that kindness has no age limit, and even our youngest neighbors can make a big difference.”
You can help Jacob celebrate his 12th birthday by donating $12 to his HoBOOken 5K fundraiser here.
The 17th Annual HoBOOken 5K and Scary Scurry Kids' Race takes place on Sunday, October 25, at Pier A Park, benefiting The Hoboken Shelter and its work providing meals, shelter, and pathways to permanent housing for neighbors in need. There is still time to register for the 5K race and the Kids’ Scary Scurry Run at HoBOOken5K.com.