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A love of the written word unites students in the National English Honor Society at Wantagh High School, and now they are sharing that interest beyond their community. The chapter is spearheading a book drive, with all donations going to the Book Fairies. 

Since the collection drive began on Jan. 6, hundreds of new and gently used books have been dropped off in the lobby. Donations are being accepted through Jan. 17, after which honor society members will sort the books by age level. They are seeking books for children and teens.

The Books Fairies, a nonprofit organization based in Freeport, will then distribute the donations to schools and libraries in under-resourced communities on Long Island and in New York City. 

Adviser Alisa Lopera said this is the honor society’s second annual book drive and it is the group’s largest community service project of the year. Juniors Danny Donahue, Lea Vagnone and Sophia Zanelotti comprise the book drive committee and promoted it by hanging fliers around the school, posting on social media and through word of mouth.

“We’re off to a really good start,” Lea said just a week into the book drive, when donations had already exceeded their expectations.

Danny noted that many students, like him, have their old children’s books at home that are still in good condition but haven’t been read in years. He is encouraging them to donate those books for a good cause.

Sophia added that Wantagh High School clubs host many collection drives throughout the year that fulfill a variety of needs. The book drive will ensure that children across the region can experience the same enjoyment of literature. 

 

Photo caption: Wantagh High School juniors, from left, Lea Vagnone, Sophia Zanelotti and Danny Donahue are spearheading a collection drive for the Book Fairies through the National English Honor Society.

 

Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

Charli Castiglia, a second grader at Cornwell Avenue School in West Hempstead, has been participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program with her family since she was 3 years old. 

She has always supported her parents and family in helping distribute boxes to local businesses and collecting toys to bring to the marines. This holiday season, Charli decided she wanted to be an active participant by distributing boxes of her own. Charli took the initiative on her own and wrote a letter to Cornwell Avenue Principal Ms. Deanna Sinito and Superintendent of Schools Dan Rehman asking if she could bring Toys for Tots boxes to the schools in the district. They responded with an enthusiastic yes! Charli handed out five boxes, one to each school, and collected nine bags of toys with 252 items to donate. 

“I’m really proud of myself,” Charli said after collecting and counting the donations. “I helped a lot of kids!” 

Additionally, on Jan. 5, Charli helped at a toy drive in which she “shopped” for children in need and donated toys.

“I like to help with Toys for Tots because I can give toys to kids who don’t have toys like I do,” Charli said. “I can help make other kids happy.”

The district commends Charli for her amazing efforts in supporting people in need.

 

Photo caption: 1-2: Charli Castiglia, a second grader at Cornwell Avenue School in West Hempstead, launched a successful districtwide toy drive.

 

Photos courtesy of the West Hempstead Union Free School District 

The Spackenkill Varsity Girls Soccer team, led by Coach Mark Moren, recently joined forces with the Spack Leo Club for a meaningful holiday fundraiser, exemplifying their commitment to giving back to the community during the holiday season.

In December, several younger players approached Coach Moren with the idea of participating in the Leo Club’s Christmas Family Giving Tree project. This initiative involved selecting trees from a display, each representing a specific item needed by a family in need. While the Leo Club organizes this event annually, it was the first time the Varsity Girls Soccer team participated, with other winter sports teams also lending their support.

The team selected five trees, each listing a needed item, such as winter jackets and other essential clothing. With contributions from 10 teammates and Coach Moren totaling $160, the group purchased these items. Three players spearheaded the effort, shopping for the donations, packaging them, and delivering them to the Leo Club for distribution to families before Christmas. Additionally, team members playing basketball and indoor track also supported the initiative through their current teams.

Coach Moren shared his pride in the players’ initiative and teamwork, noting their efforts made the holiday season brighter for local families. This act of generosity reflects the values of Spackenkill Varsity Girls Soccer, showcasing their dedication to creating a positive impact both on and off the field.

What began as a heartfelt initiative by former Hopkinton Girls Varsity Hockey player Keelan Boyle has blossomed into an inspiring annual event that unites the community in the fight against ovarian cancer.

The tradition started in the 2018-19 season, when Keelan, alongside her two fellow captains and the team moms, approached the coaching staff with the idea of hosting an awareness game. The inspiration came after Keelan’s mother, Marie Boyle, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During her research, Keelan realized there were few examples of women’s hockey teams supporting ovarian cancer awareness, which motivated her to fill that gap.

Thanks to the unwavering support of the coaching staff and the team, enough money was raised to purchase custom teal jerseys, while socks were generously donated. This initiative laid the foundation for what has now become a cherished annual event, only missing two years due to COVID-19.

The fundraiser has grown to include raffles, silent auctions, and other activities, with all proceeds going directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Girly Girl P.A.R.T.s. These funds support clinical trials and the development of an ovarian cancer prescreening awareness tool. Over the four games, the team has raised close to $10,000—a testament to their dedication and the community’s generosity.

Each game features an emotional opening speech by Marie Boyle and her gynecologic oncology nurse, sharing their journey and emphasizing the importance of the cause. This moving tradition not only raises funds but also fosters awareness and connection.

The Hopkinton hockey community continues to rally behind this powerful cause, wearing teal with pride and proving that the bonds of teamwork extend well beyond the ice. This remarkable event showcases the compassion and resilience that define Hopkinton Girls Varsity Hockey.

Students in Hauppauge High School’s leadership class hosted their third annual holiday breakfast fundraiser, raising a total of $3,200 for families in need this holiday season.

The breakfast raises money for the schoolwide initiative, Care and Share’s Friends of Families, helping families with food and gifts for the holidays. While the breakfast brought in $745, the class’s raffle brought in an additional $1,995. Other initiatives including a holiday basketball game, door decorating contest, candy grams and holiday shirt sales to staff brought in the remaining donations.

The leadership class, which focuses on teaching students valuable skills such as goal-setting, communication and organization, empowers students to become strong leaders both in school and in the community. The course emphasizes that leadership is a skill that can be developed, and each student culminates their learning by implementing their own service project.

Photo caption: 1-3: Students in Hauppauge High School’s leadership class held a holiday breakfast fundraiser to benefit families in need through the school’s Share and Care initiative.

 

Photos courtesy of Hauppauge School District