Students help the homeless

Lawrence High School students in the Branching Out In New Directions (BOND) program recently volunteered their time preparing and serving food to the homeless at a soup kitchen in Hempstead.

The Lawrence students spent the day at the Mary Brennen Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN), a non-profit organization with the mission of addressing hunger and homelessness on Long Island. The Lawrence students spent the day organizing the food and clothing pantries, as well as preparing and serving food. Wanting to find a way to motivate the students in our Alternative High School Wendy Grand, Social Worker at Lawrence High School, arranged for the students to partake in this amazing charity effort.

“Research has proven that altruism raises self esteem and awareness but to see it in action was tremendously gratifying,” said Grand. “Our experience reinforced this knowledge. This was our first time at the INN and I hope to offer this program to more students next year.”

Alexis Garcia, an 11th-grader who volunteered at the soup kitchen, said, “I loved the experience. It made me feel good to help and to see the people smile.”

Kristy Iantorno, also an 11th-grader, gained a lot from the experience as well. “Those who help others in need appreciate more what they have,” she said.

Tenth-grader Sebastian Inostroza said, “It was really sad to see so many people who were so hungry. It made me want to help even more.”

BOND is Lawrence's alternative high school, located within the main building serving 50 students.