A truckload of used clothing and other items is headed to needy families thanks to the generosity of the Tackan Elementary School community.
Students in Bill Schroeder’s fifth grade class helped load nearly 300 bags of recently collected clothing, car seats, bedding, stuffed animals and small toys on Tuesday, Jan. 11. The truck filled with donated items was bound for a New Jersey distribution hub that will share it domestically and internationally with those in need.
Organized by the Tackan Elementary PTA, the generosity also will benefit the school’s cultural arts program. Once the contents arrive at the charity’s distribution hub and the truck pulls onto a scale, the program will receive a cash donation based on the weight.

 

Photo caption: Students help load a truck filled with donated items

 

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

 

The Wantagh High School football team continues to shine on an off the field. Not only did the team advance to the conference semifinals in the fall 2021 season, the players were also recognized for their community service work with two awards. 

The Warriors were presented with the Community Service Award at the Nassau County football dinner following the season. Coach Keith Sachs said that the award, given by the Nassau County High School Football Coaches Association, was in recognition of the team’s longstanding partnership with John Theissen Children’s Foundation. 

Every October, members of the varsity football team volunteer their time at the foundation’s annual Freaky 5K race in the community. This year, players got to work several hours before the race began by marking the course and setting up refreshment stations along the route. During the 5K, they handed out water and candy to the runners and gathered at the end to cheer participants as they crossed the finish line.   

Drew Palladino noted that the Wantagh community is extremely supportive of the football team throughout the season, filling the stands and cheering on the Warriors. The players volunteer their time at the Freaky 5K to express their gratitude.   

“It’s the least we can do to give back after all they’ve done for us,” Nick Aldino said. “I like the feeling of helping people out.”

Luke Janosko said the event has such as positive vibe and it was great to see so many people from the community come out for a good cause. Mark Maniet added that children like seeing the football players at the race, so their presence sets a good example about the value of community service. 

After the Freaky 5K comes Theissen’s annual holiday toy drive. Sean Carlo said that several players also contributed by bringing their donations to the foundation’s Wantagh Avenue headquarters. 

Most recently, the football team was named the recipient of the Community Service Award from the Nassau County Chapter of the New York State Athletic Administrators Association. The team will be recognized at a luncheon on June 10 at Westbury Manor. 

 

Photo caption: Wantagh High School varsity football players, from left, Mark Maniet, Nick Aldino, Sean Carlo, Drew Palladino and Luke Janosko displayed a trophy from the Nassau County High School Football Coaches Association, one of two awards the team recently received for its community service efforts.

 

Photo courtesy of the Wantagh School District

 

Searingtown School student Sophia Chen has been awarded the 2021 President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition and appreciation of her commitment to volunteer service. 

She has completed more than 75 hours by helping kindergarten students with their math and English language arts activities, as well as volunteering at events during summer camp and after school at the Long Island Tutoring Academy School. She is described as a kind, intelligent and loving student. In addition, Sophia and her brother Wilson joined a team of volunteers over winter break to pick up scattered trash around major roads in Herricks.

Sophia received her certificate and gold medal in December.

Photo caption: Searingtown student Sophia Chen was awarded the 2021 President’s Volunteer Service Award. 

 

Photos courtesy of Herricks Public Schools

 

Natalie and Alexandria Silverman’s organization, “Elves to the Rescue”, in collaboration with HSW Key Club, are the special elves providing over 150 gifts of coats, warm clothes, and toys to the children in need at the Madonna Heights Morning Star program.  Santa Claus is a special surprise delivering the gifts so every child will have a happy, blessed, and memorable holiday. 

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School’s National Honor Society ran the school’s annual Adopt-A-Family holiday program this month, joined by the school’s Community Service Club, World Language Honor Society and Student Council. Students sign up to adopt a local Elwood family in need and provide them gifts that they are unable to provide for each other, making sure to package the presents and ensuring the donations are packaged and delivered in time for the families to receive the presents by Dec. 22.

 “Honor Society means a lot to me, and I know for everyone in it, giving back to the community is a great way for us all to make sure that those we may not know but care about are getting everything that they need,” NHS President Abby Rothleder said. “It feels good for me and for my fellow officers to give back, especially doing this project, because it’s giving back to people so close to home. We may not see what everyone’s going through in our local community, so knowing that we’re able to make a difference is super special.”

DSC_0067: Elwood-John H. Glenn High School’s National Honor Society ran the school’s annual Adopt-A-Family holiday program this month, led by President Abby Rothleder, Vice President Jordan Alibrandi (not pictured), Secretary Max Slesinski and Treasurer Ally Haddad.  

Photos courtesy of Elwood School District