Smithtown High School East counselor Kelly Brouthers and social worker Jeremy Melnick led a school-wide effort to help 22 local families who are less fortunate.
Through the Adopt-A-Family program, the two worked together to identify families who could benefit from some help, either in the form of toys for children or much-needed supplies such as toiletries and diapers.
Student clubs, athletic teams, individual students, staff and faculty members, and administrators donated time and items to check off on the respective families’ holiday wish lists. Community members also pitched in.
“Everyone deserves to open up at least one present for the holidays,” said Melnick, who noted that although all of the items distributed from the lists are new, some gently used items were also donated and made available to the families as
needed.
Photo courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District
