Despite rain and cold, East Islip Middle School’s Girls Leaders Club successfully hosted its first Drive-By Holiday Food Drive on Dec. 12. After providing for families within the middle school community, the remaining donations were taken to St. Peter the Apostle Church in Islip Terrace.
“I was very happy with the amount of donations we received,” said teacher and Girls Leaders Club adviser Laura O’Donnell. “It was ideal for the donors, considering COVID-19 and the rain. Community members drove up, the girls unloaded the bags and off they went.”
The Girls Leaders Club runs several annual fundraising and community service initiatives, but this year’s activities look a bit different. O’Donnell had a goal to keep the club running as usual this year, regardless of the pandemic.
“I expected there would be some challenges this year with operating the club virtually and the limitations on fundraising and community service activities due to COVID-19,” she said. “I also know the importance of the club to the students that participate and the community members that benefit from their hard work and dedication. It is at times like now that community service clubs are most needed”.
During this school year, the Girls Leaders Club also conducted a fundraiser for UNICEF and a Holiday Pet Toy and Food Drive for the Islip Animal Shelter. The club’s plans for 2021 include Valentine’s Day cards for veterans and care packages for the homeless.
IMG 0789, IMG 0796: East Islip Middle School’s Girls Leaders Club successfully hosted its first Drive-By Holiday Food Drive.
Photos courtesy of East Islip School District
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