Number Five School students know charity

From candy to toys, the Number Five School faculty and students are doing their part to help ensure that families in need have a happy Thanksgiving and a merry holiday season, and U.S. soldiers abroad fill their sweet tooth.
Kathleen McDonough’s third-grade class collected their leftover Halloween treats and filled five trash bangs — 106 pounds — and in collaboration with Dr. Glen Shanock, a pediatric dentist in Long Beach, the candy was sent to military servicemen and women overseas. It was the second year McDonough’s class took part in Operation Gratitude. Last year, they filled three garbage bags full of candy, McDonough said.
“We had fun organizing it,” said third-grader Tammy Aronbayev. “They don’t have a lot of food we have here,” she said about the soldiers. The kids received toothbrushes from Dr. Shanock as a reward.
The charity continues as the Cedarhurst school is collecting food for Thanksgiving meals. That drive will end Nov. 24. Margaret Brickman, the school’s social worker. She also works to connect families with local food pantries. The collected items will be given to community members. Dr. Shanock has also donated 140 $15 supermarket gift cards, McDonough said.
After Turkey Day, faculty and students will begin a toy drive that will end on Dec. 17.