By: Brian Zanzonico and Jason Scheer
At West Hempstead High School, after-school clubs will hold fund-raisers throughout February and March, with the proceeds going to UNICEF, Superintendent Carol Eisenberg said. Three teachers from West Hempstead Middle School were slated to meet this week to discuss how the school would raise money. Cornwell Avenue and George Washington Elementary School Student Council members were scheduled to meet on Thursday to plan their respective fund-raisers.
At press time, Davison Avenue School was the only Malverne district school with a plan in place. Beginning this week and continuing through Jan. 31, parents and students were raffling off a day at Fun Station U.S.A. in Lynbrook, according to Principal Edward Tallon. Superintendent Dr. Mary Ellen Freeley said that other schools in the district were planning fund-raisers, but details weren't yet available.
Leaders of local religious institutions have rallied their congregations, in an effort to help victims of one of the worst natural disasters in history. Rabbi Arthur Vernon, of the Jewish Community Center of West Hempstead, said that he has been encouraging his congregation to give to local relief funds. He said that the tsunamis brought about unparalleled destruction, and that people should respond with equal compassion. "Everyone, all over the world, should be moved by this, and not just moved to feel compassion for those who have lost their lives and those who are suffering, but they should be moved to act."
And the best way to act, Vernon said, is to send donations so that the victims will be provided food, shelter and hope. Other religious leaders took up collections at services last weekend, and the following institutions are acting as a conduit between residents and disaster victims:
Community Presbyterian Church
of Malverne
12 Nottingham Rd.
Malverne, N.Y. 11565
c/o tsunami victims
Donations can also be directed to the Presbyterian Church of America at www.pcusa.org. All proceeds go directly to Presbyterian congregations in the affected areas.
Malverne Bible Church
270 Franklin Ave.
Malverne, N.Y. 11565
c/o tsunami victims
St. John's Baptist Church
of Lakeview
632 Chautauqua Ave.
West Hempstead, N.Y. 11552
c/o tsunami victims
Trinity Lutheran Church
260 Chestnut St.
West Hempstead, N.Y. 11552
c/o tsunami victims
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