By Nancy Hiler
Recognizing how fortunate they are, "the children decided they wanted to collect food for the needy at Thanksgiving, 'paying it forward' and making a difference in the lives of others," said Jo Ann Signorelli, a social worker at the school who started the SADD club. "We all were saying our ideas for helping people,"explained sixth-grade club member Sabrina Petro, "and then we took a vote," deciding to collect food. The food drive began in early November. "We sent home announcement fliers, and drew up posters [placed throughout the school building], sixth-grader Vanessa Casiraro said. "We got to work together to help people," student John Rizzo commented
The Roosevelt Center Director Nancy Manigat came to Gunther School on Monday, Nov. 20, to accept the gift, which included several baskets filled with canned vegetables, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, other non-perishables, plus a frozen turkey. The food was given to several of the center's needy families who are in temporary housing and live below the poverty level," Manigat said. "They can't afford to buy this food."
The Roosevelt Center provides support services and counseling for families in crisis. It is part of the non-profit, non-sectarian Family and Children's Association, the human service network for Long Island, which offers more than 40 programs related to helping people, including protecting abused and neglected children, the mentally ill and the homeless.
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