Number of Participants: 24
Hours Donated: 8
Value of Time Served: $6,680
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Girls Volleyball
School: Elwood/John Glenn High School
Date: January 21, 2026
Location:
John Glenn High School
Elwood Road, Huntington
NY
About:
The Elwood Middle School volleyball team recently demonstrated compassion and leadership by dedicating its final home match of the season to childhood cancer awareness, creating a powerful and meaningful way to close out the year.
In the days leading up to the event, student-athletes took the lead in organizing awareness efforts throughout the school community. Players created posters, decorated the gym, and helped promote the cause to classmates, staff, and families. Prior to the match, team members delivered a heartfelt speech explaining the significance of supporting children and families affected by cancer — a moment that reflected both maturity and empathy.
Their efforts had a strong impact. In less than three hours, the team successfully raised $456, with all proceeds donated directly to the Children’s Miracle Network at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital. The funds will help support vital programs and services for children facing serious health challenges.
Coach Alessia Franco praised the athletes for using their platform to make a difference, noting that the event represented the values of integrity, teamwork, and service that the program strives to instill. By combining athletic competition with purpose-driven leadership, the Elwood volleyball team showed how student-athletes can create meaningful change in their communities.
Service initiatives like this continue to highlight the important role school athletics play in fostering empathy, awareness, and civic responsibility — leaving a lasting impression on both participants and supporters alike.
