25 Days of Giving: Day 10

Earlier this month, a parent at the girls’ school, reached out to family members encouraging them to participate in a program entitled “Adopt a School”, which was created by a teacher on Long Island to unite schools, clubs, and teams in recovery efforts. Schools in hard-hit areas of Long Island and the Rockaways are being “adopted” by others wishing to provide assistance. With support from our Student Council our school held a drive to assist another school in Lindenhurst, New York. The items they asked for included letters and cards of encouragement, winter weather items, toys and gift cards.

We sat the girls and discussed the drive, and why we it was so important for us to help the families who had lost everything. We suggested they come up with what we could do to help. Something we could donate. It could be anything. They  came up with gloves and hats (pink if we could find them) to keep the children warm, and created cute little cards  with “Thinking of You” and “Happy Holidays” hand drawn so we could attach to the clothing.  

As we rushed off to school this morning, the girls carrying the hats and gloves, we made it to school just before the first bell rang. Lining the hall in front of the office, were two very long tables, filled with donations for the school in New York. There are toys and stuffed animals, letters to the families, winter coats and gift cards. It was a beautiful sight, and lovely to see how generous our families are!

As the second bell rang, I had just enough time to snap a picture of the girls dropping off their donations, before they were off and running to class. My little one turns around, and grabbing my hand, asks if I will walk her to class. Definitely a wonderful way to begin my day!

How to Give Back: There are many non-profit organizations dedicated to providing assistance to individuals and families who were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. One of the most reliable websites to find information on how you and your family can donate and help is the American Red Cross. Visit www.redcross.org, and click “ways to help” for a number of ideas. I also found this wonderful website, www.familytofamily.com, which lists a number of ways in which families can help a family recover from the hurricane.