Bellmore schools show support for Haiti

Across Bellmore and North Bellmore, school staff members, students and their families are joining forces to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

North Bellmore Schools

Even though many schools can't outright ask their students for money, that hasn't stopped students in North Bellmore from finding ways to help the people of Haiti. The staff of Jacob Gunter Elementary School sent out a newsletter to families encouraging them to send text messages to the Red Cross, which immediately makes a $10 donation.

Students at Martin Avenue have a direct link to the tragedy. One of their custodians is Haitian and still has family there. The staff at Martin Avenue sent home icons in the shape of cell phones encouraging families to donate to whatever organization best fit them. Families then were able to return the icons filled in, stating how they personally helped the people of Haiti. Sue Kahn Wolk, who runs Martin Avenue Cares Council, said the response was immediate. "We have this giant bulletin board down in the lobby, covered with these cell phones," she said.

The Newbridge Road School Student Council started a coin drive, encouraging all students to donate their spare change. School psychologist Keri Dejak said the three-gallon containers were filled with change, and that all of the money collected will go to UNICEF.

The Park Avenue School Student Council has found a different way to help Haiti. The student council will be sponsoring a bake swap on Feb. 4 and 5. Families are encouraged to bake goods for the bake swap, and students can bring in a canned good, water bottle or clothing item to obtain a sweet. The items that are collected will be sent to Haiti by the Uniondale Fire Department, which is already sending shipments to those in need.

Saw Mill Road student saved their allowances and spare cash to help the earthquake victims. $767.87 was collected for UNICEF to help the disaster relief. The students and staff plan to continue helping by collecting non perishables.

Bellmore Schools

Bellmore students have taken all steps, big and small, to aid in the disaster relief.

Reinhard sent out letters to parents and staff informing them that they would accept donations if they wished to help. They will send all money collected to the Jewish World Service's Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, which is helping communities in

Haiti to respond, recover and rebuild in the wake of the earthquake.

Winthrop Avenue students have been donating their spare change at lunch. The principal's weekly newsletter informed parents of the change jar, and the students raised over $70 in just two days. Students will be able to donate change for a month, and all the money raised will be donated to the Red Cross.

Shore Road brought a bit of color and creativity to helping Haiti. Two sixth-grade classes tie-dyed T-shirts to raise just over $2,200 for Doctors Without Borders. "After the earthquake in Haiti, we decided we wanted to do something," sixth-grade teacher Stacey Reiner said. "So we brought it up to the kids, and they were really excited about it." Fellow teacher Graceann McClenahan added that the students "were very upset that so many children were hurt, and they decided that they wanted to do something to make a difference." Parents and Principal Christine Augusto donated the plain white T-shirts to be dyed, and everyone, from students to Superintendent Joseph Famularo, pre-ordered a shirt.

Central District

The desire to help the people of Haiti doesn't stop at the elementary schools. Students at Grand Avenue Middle School collected money to make a $1,100 donation to the American Red Cross.

Kennedy High School is holding a “loose change” campaign. Students will be walking around with cans and encouraging people to donate their coins until the middle of February. 

  Mepham High School has had several fundraising activities. The Student Government, along with adviser Mary Corbelli, collected $900 and placed collection cans in classrooms. The cans will be used to collect medical supplies, baby wipes, baby food and formula. The collection cans will be delivered to Uniondale High School, where Town Supervisor Kate Murray is arranging for shipment to Haiti.

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