Following the devastation left in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., the students and staff at Islip's Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School dug deep into their hearts and their pockets.

Throughout the month of December, students donated their spare change, raising $875 as part of the school’s Caring Coins collection. The proceeds were donated to the American Red Cross, directly helping those affected by the hurricane.

Heeding a call from the Connecticut PTSA, the students spent several days creating “snowflakes” for Sandy Hook. With the understanding that no two snowflakes are alike, the student-made decorations will be sent to Sandy Hook to create a winter wonderland for the students and staff.