Art teacher Jennifer Turner from the Lynbrook Public Schools, along with her family, strived to give back to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together with her husband Marc Turner and daughters Lily and Sophie Turner, the family raised more than $1,000 for the non-profit hunger relief program, Community Solidarity. Community Solidarity’s mission is to distribute boxes of nutritious fresh food and vegetables daily to those in need on Long Island and in Brooklyn. Mr. Turner volunteered his time with the program by sorting boxes to long lines of cars at the Hempstead train station.

Since Mrs. Turner and her 11-year-old daughters could not haul heavy boxes, they wanted to help in a different way. They worked together to create and sell custom mask chains that attach to medical masks for students and teachers to use when they head back to school.

“We saw all over Instagram and Facebook that people were making and selling mask chains,” said Mrs. Turner. “We figured we could do this but give all of the funds raised to help fund the cause. Beading is fun for us too, it’s something we can do anywhere and counting and sorting beads is very relaxing. You have to be in the moment, not worrying or stressing about anything because if you lose track, your beads will be everywhere!” 

They created approximately 60 mask chains in both adult and kid sizes. Mrs. Turner and her daughters used small, glass plastic seed beads with gold plated and silver clasps to attach to any size mask. The Turner family recently presented a check to President and CEO of Community Solidarity, Jon Stepanian, to support the program and help fight hunger.  

 

Photo caption: Lynbrook art teacher Jennifer Turner and her family created approximately 60 mask chains and donated the proceeds to Community Solidarity. Pictured from left: Marc Turner, Lily Turner, Sophie Turner, Jennifer Turner and President and CEO of Community Solidarity, Jon Stepanian. 

 

Photo courtesy of the Lynbrook Public Schools 

 

Valley Stream North High School students Isabella Scarpa and Caroline Jones donated masks to Winthrop Hospital in Mineola on behalf of the Valley Stream North Drama Club and Frasca Design Group.

This was all made possible due to a fundraising event that took place in June, where the Drama Club presented a virtual Open Mic Night to raise funds for frontline health care workers. The total amount raised was matched by the Isabella’s family. As a result, the club was able to meet its fundraising goal and raised more than $1,000, which was used toward the donation of masks to Winthrop Hospital in Mineola.

 

Photo caption: Valley Stream North High School students donated masks to Winthrop Hospital.

 

Photos courtesy of Valley Stream Central High School District

 

 

Three Southampton High School track stars — Dreanne Joseph, Reece Nugent and Griffin Wei — raised $8,000 after teaming up to launch Mariners Run for Unity, a virtual fundraising event, held July 5.

The money raised through the initiative will be used to fund a scholarship that will be awarded to a graduating senior of color, starting in 2021. The scholarship awardee will be selected by the Mariners Run for Unity Committee, made up of the three seniors, coach Eddie Arnold and Nature Richard. 

The students created the fundraiser in an effort to take action against racism. 

“Our initiative has been an amazing success,” said Nugent. “We got lots of feedback from people who donated and participated.”

The trio initially aimed to raise $5,000, but were thrilled to exceed their goal. They hope to continue their mission and raise additional funds for the scholarship in the future. 

“Our hope is that this becomes a foundation where the scholarship fund becomes an annual award,” said Nugent.  

To participate in the virtual event, participants are asked to run 2.28 miles and provide a suggested donation of $25 via the committee’s website, www.marinersrunforunity.com.

 

Photo captions: 

 

1: Southampton High School students Dreanne Joseph, Reece Nugent and Griffin Wei ran 2.28 miles along with fellow cross-country team members and their coach, Eddie Arnold, as part of their virtual fundraising event. 

2: Southampton High School students (from left) Griffin Wei, Dreanne Joseph and Reece Nugent raised $8,000 through a virtual run fundraiser on July 5.

 

Photos courtesy of the Southampton Union Free School District

 

On June 23, Elmont Memorial High School, along with Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Island Harvest, helped supply food to more than 400 families in the Elmont community.

Parent and community volunteers, the Men of Elmont and the Leading Ladies of Elmont all came together for over six hours to ensure that their fellow community members were supported and had more food security.  

“There is no better way to serve your community than to give back and help others directly,” said Principal Kevin Dougherty. “We are extremely proud of our young men and women who helped to brighten someone else’s day and make this day a reality.” 

 

Photo captions: Elmont Memorial High School helped to supply food to more than 400 families in the Elmont community. 

 

Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District

 

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In addition to their online learning, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wantagh Middle School students still found time to reach out to those in need in the community.

Emma Palmisano, along with brother Frank and cousin Julia, raised more than $200 selling rainbow loom (rubber bands) bracelets with beads for first responders working at New York Winthrop Hospital. The students practiced social distancing and wore masks as they displayed their bracelet creations on a table in the driveway. They plan on continuing their fundraiser through the summer months. The sale was advertised by Emma’s brother and cousins, who rode their bikes through the neighborhood with signs.

Wantagh Middle School students Shane Adee, John Bloomfield, Liam Fields, Etan Mei, Ryan Mei, Jayden Mun, Teddy O’Sullivan and Tyler Santomauro, members of Boy Scout Troop 656 also collected food on June 6 to donate to local families who are in need during the pandemic.

The Wantagh School District congratulates the students for their kindness and thoughtfulness and best wishes for success in their philanthropic endeavors.

 

Photo captions:

 

Photo A: From left, Wantagh Middle School student Emma Palmisano and her cousin Julia raised money for first responders working at NY Winthrop Hospital by selling bracelets.

 

Photo B: Members of Wantagh Boy Scout Troop 656 collected food for families in need during the pandemic.

 

Photos courtesy of the Wantagh School District