A school in Morris Park hosted its fifth annual Purple Day Monday to raise awareness for Alzheimer's.
The students at P.S. 83 learned what it means to be a child caregiver through the program SHARKS, also known as Students Helping and Assisting Relatives with Knowledge and Skills.
Organizers say the program was launched as a youth caregiver initiative five years ago, giving participants skills and resources on how to better deal with their mental health when taking care of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's or another illness.
They say about 1.4 million child caregivers nationwide are between the ages of 8 and 18 years old.
All funds raised are donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Students could also support the program by purchasing a $2 purple bracelet.
The program hopes to expand to other elementary schools.