Grand Ave. gives back to those in need

Grand Avenue Middle School promotes a community of caring for all, school officials say. To further that environment, a new program, “Grand Gives Back,” was launched in September. Through the program, Grand Avenue selects different organizations each month to raise money for. Students, faculty and staff members are encouraged to donate to charities.

“This not only raises awareness about several causes,” Assistant Principal Eric Gomez said, “but reinforces the tenets of R.I.C.E. that Grand Avenue embodies: Respect, Impulse Control, Compassion and Equity.”

The program began in September with an effort to raise awareness of Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Bins were placed in the cafeteria, main office and faculty lounge to raise money. Additionally, announcements were made every morning about the disease, and teachers incorporated information about ALS in their lessons. The school raised $430, which was donated to the ALS Association in Washington, D.C.

In October, Grand’s focus turned toward promoting awareness about breast cancer. Bins were again placed around the school, and teachers incorporated the topic into daily lessons. In Home and Careers classes, students also designed pink ribbons to be sold for further fundraising. Toward the end of the month, Grand Avenue students and faculty members wore pink to further raise awareness about breast cancer. The school donated $751 to Stand Up for Cancer in California at the end of the month.

With Thanksgiving and the holiday season nearing, the Grand Avenue community focused on the nonprofit hunger-relief group Island Harvest in November. Through fundraising, Grand Avenue was able to donate $ 260 to the organization.

As 2010 drew to a close, students and staff focused on those less fortunate in their own neighborhoods. Money was collected for the Interfaith Nutrition Network in Hempstead. The group addresses hunger and homelessness on Long Island by providing food, shelter, long-term housing and support services. In Home and Careers, students designed yellow-and-white ribbons to be sold during lunch periods, and all profits were donated to the cause. Grand Avenue was able to raise $346 for the local charity.

“Grand Gives Back” will continue through the end of the school year in a similar fashion, with students continuing to donate and raise money for various organizations while learning about those less fortunate.

Comments about this story? DKrasula@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.