School News

Seaford students spread goodwill

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The Seaford High School Student Council collected more than 1,000 toys for the district’s annual toy drive last month to benefit several Long Island organizations and charities.

Students from the high school and middle school made donations, as did community residents and local Boy Scouts. Officers from the Student Council sorted and wrapped the gifts before playing the part of Santa’s elves and delivering them to preschool students at Hempstead Head Start and Westbury Head Start in the week leading up to Christmas. 

Advisers Tania Cintorino and Shari Raduazzo said that each child received two gifts as well as a trinket such as a toy car, puzzle or book. They said that some toys would also be delivered to the Freeport Head Start, the pediatric ward at Nassau University Medical Center, Mercy First and Family and Children’s Services.

“We give to kids who are less fortunate than us,” Student Council President Noah Crean said. “We give them a holiday that we take for granted.”

Student Council treasurer Anna Gagliano, a senior at the school, said the number of donations has increased in each of the four years she has participated in the drive. Junior Secretary Chris Schneider added that the toy drive brings the Seaford community together for a good cause.

This holiday season, students from the National Honor Society volunteered at the Mary Brennan Soup Kitchen in Hempstead. They served meals, worked in the clothing boutique and pantry and helped to sort and stock donations. 

Members of the Key Club have also been assisting the Salvation Army at the Sunrise Mall, ringing the bell of the kettle on Saturdays in December. After two days, they raised $400. Additionally, students volunteered at Tackapausha Museum and Preserve and helped youngsters complete crafts at the annual holiday party on Dec. 9.