By LARRY MAIER
For the past several weeks, Ms. Berger's sixth-grade class has collected new hats, toys, games, books, and stuffed animals to give to children who are battling cancer at the Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park. The special gifts will be delivered this week. Many of the sixth-graders plan to visit the hospital over the holidays. For such young adults, their awareness of others is really quite remarkable. And the thoughtfulness with which they selected their gifts is also impressive.
"We decided to collect hats because one of the side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss," said Melissa Kroll. "So maybe with hats they wouldn't be embarrassed and they will feel happy." The class said they collected only brand-new hats so that the children at the hospital wouldn't get more sick from any of their germs.
"We got them lots of toys and games because most of the kids can't go home for Hanukah," said Howie Mizel. The class decided to gather games and toys for two or more, so that the hospitalized children can play with them together and make friends. And the stuffed animals are for when the children are scared or alone, so that they will always have someone to talk to or hug.
Ms. Berger's class does not wish to take all the credit for their "mitzvah", or good work. They made up fliers asking for help with their project and handed them out around the school. Students from all of the grades pitched in and contributed.
Miriam Baum, the school's principal, said the class project has helped the students learn about the responsibilities of Jewish adulthood. The center's curriculum includes learning about community involvement and social obligations, especially as students approach Bar mitzvah age.
"I am extremely proud of our students," said Ms. Baum, who also praised her staff. "I am proud that we recognize our responsibility of guiding our students to be responsible to their fellow man."
