Saw Mill students spread joy through giving

December is commonly known as the season of giving, and students are embracing that at Saw Mill Road Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District.

Third grade teacher Michelle Mittler runs a toy drive every year for Cohen Children’s Medical Center. She spearheads this effort to support the hospital where her daughter underwent treatment several years ago.

Ms. Mittler sends a letter home to families asking them to contribute a new toy and the response is always very positive. These toys are added to the items she buys herself to fulfill specific wishes for children at the hospital. 

“It brings me joy to be able to give back to an organization that has given so much to me,” she said. “I love to involve the students and making them feel like they are part of the greater community.”

Ms. Mittler, who has been running the toy drive for more than five years, personally delivers the toys to Cohen. She also uses it to spark conversation among her students about gratitude and generosity. 

The Saw Mill Road student council is running a winter coat drive. The weeklong collection for the Long Island-based Coats for Kids initiative includes a donation box in the main lobby. Student council members promoted the drive through signs, morning announcements and word of mouth. 

“Kids need to stay warm for the winter so we’re donating coats,” fifth grader Mikyle Lasker said.

Student council is advised by Assistant Principal Daniel Madden, sixth grade teacher Danielle Houghton and fifth grade teacher Melissa Mignoli. 

 

Photo captions:

1: Saw Mill Road Elementary School third graders in Michelle Mittler’s class donated toys that will go to kids at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

2: Student council members, from left, fifth grader Mikyle Lasker, sixth graders Mia Baa and Amelia Feihel and fifth grader Charlotte Mazzo showed some early donations for the Coats for Kids drive.