Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 20
Value of Time Served: $169
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Other
Date: January 8, 2021
Location:
Islip
NY, USA
About:
Elizabeth Balsamo, a fourth grader in Meghan Flynn and Christine LeMaire’s class at Islip’s Commack Road Elementary School, recently organized the school’s second annual toy drive.
“One morning in early November, she enthusiastically came to school to talk to the principal about the drive,” said LeMaire. “She had the idea last year as a third grader, after becoming concerned about children who were sick in the hospital at holidays.
Balsamo designed a flyer for the initiative and made daily announcements. Her family helped her connect with Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip to send toys directly via Amazon. Toys were also donated to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation.
“Elizabeth is a natural leader at Commack Road,” said Principal James Cameron. “Her example shows us that when given the chance to lead, kids can make a real difference,”
“I feel really proud and thankful for all of the help I received from my teachers, Mr. Cameron and everyone who donated,” said Balsamo.
CRES Toy (1), CRES Toy (3): Elizabeth Balsamo, a fourth grader at Islip’s Commack Road Elementary School, recently organized the school’s second annual toy drive.
Photos courtesy of Islip School District
