Donations pour in, love pours out at Berner

It’s been a month of generosity at Berner Middle School in the Massapequa School District, where students have been helping others near and far.

The Builders Club, a community service-focused organization advised by Michael LaBella, held a toy drive for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. Students throughout the school were encouraged to donate new toys to benefit sick and underprivileged children across Long Island. 

“It’s important because it gives back to kids who are less fortunate,” club President Maya DiBartolo said. 

Liv Vertescher, the vice president, added, “This makes me feel very happy because it’s an honor that our school is giving back to the community.”

The eighth grade class, led by Mariana Christy and Katrina Laboy, sponsored a winter wear drive. They collected new and gently worn coats, scarves, hats, gloves and other items for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. Donations for people of all ages were accepted from Dec. 2-19. 

“It helps out people who are homeless and need to stay warm,” said Class of 2029 President Jack Leavy. “It shows that Berner students can help people in and out of school.”

In Computer MAGIC classes, an eighth grade business education elective, students wrote letters to active servicemen and women. Teacher Jenny Gillam said they completed about 100 letters, which were sent to an Army battalion at Fort Bragg, N.C., where Massapequa graduate Sgt. Nicole DiGregorio is currently stationed. 

Students wrote the letters in Google Docs, and added holiday and winter images along with their message of gratitude. The letters were printed on blue or green paper and mailed to the troops. Students also provided small gifts like candy canes and Santa hats.

Ms. Gillam has been spearheading a holiday letter-writing campaign for active members of the military for about 20 years. Students get to practice technology skills, like keyboarding and letter formatting, while making a positive contribution to the world. 

“It felt good because it was relatable,” said Gabe Hirschhorn, whose grandfather served in the Army.

 

Photo captions:

1: Berner Middle School’s Builders Club held a holiday toy drive for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation.

2: Eighth graders in the Computer MAGIC class wrote letters to soldiers for the holidays.

3: The eighth grade class officers organized a coat and winter wear drive for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. 

 

Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District