Community Efforts Shine: Schools and Charities Unite to Help Locals

Herricks Public Schools in Long Island has successfully united students and staff in a heartwarming effort to support local families in need. For the eleventh year, students from Searingtown Elementary, Denton Avenue, and Herricks Middle School delivered truckloads of food to St.

Aidans Food Bank, with assistance from the district's transportation department. Volunteers expressed gratitude, highlighting the significant impact of these contributions ahead of Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Bethpage High School's ACE program hosted its ninth annual Thanksgiving feast, bringing together students and staff to celebrate community and gratitude.

ACE students prepared an impressive spread under the guidance of teacher Dayna Vollmuth, showcasing collaboration across the school. The event was a joyful gathering, attended by district administrators and alumni, emphasizing the power of inclusive education.

In Central New York, the Old Newsboys campaign aims to raise $50,000 this year to provide food, clothing, and toys to families in need during the holidays. This effort, partnered with the Christmas Bureau, successfully assisted over 2,000 families last year.

Lastly, in Arlington Heights, the C.I.T.Y. of Support charity opened a new resale toy shop, GENEROC.I.T.Y. Toy Shop, which not only sells gently-used toys but also serves as a community hub for support and enrichment programs for families with children in therapy.

This initiative is a culmination of a decade-long effort to create a brick-and-mortar space for connection and support, further demonstrating the spirit of community action during the holiday season.