In the wake of the devastation left behind by Superstorm Sandy, many across Long Island were left with nothing. When the students at Islip Middle School heard of the destruction to the Island Park School District, they decided to take action. In an effort organized by school social worker Shari Pennington, the Islip students “adopted” Island Park’s Lincoln Orens Middle School. Through various fundraisers and donations, the Islip students collected funds that were used to purchase gift cards, games and school supplies. Students in John Wenzel’s technology class went the extra mile and built an Adirondack chair, which was raffled off to help raise funds.

On Dec. 14, Ms. Pennington and Islip Middle School Assistant Principal Chad Walerstein delivered the goods to the Island Park school. “They were so grateful for everything we brought for them,” said Ms. Pennington. “They lost so much in the storm and were quite overwhelmed with the generosity shown by our students and school.”

In addition to the gifts, the packages included letters and poems of encouragement from Steve Taff’s English classes and artwork designed by Laura Vogelsberg’s art students. According to Ms. Pennington, the Island Park school displayed the notes and artwork in their front lobby.