In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Miller Avenue and Wading River elementary school communities united to help those affected by the storm. In the period of just a few short days, the schools held a special “Kids Helping Kids” drive, through which students, staff and parents could donate needed items. Both schools collected donations, including bottled water, diapers, food and toiletries, all of which were donated to families within the William Floyd School District.
    
Students in Adrian Gilmore’s class at Miller Avenue initiated the Kids Helping Kids project. Upon returning to school after the hurricane, Ms. Gilmore discussed the storm with her students and asked them what they as a class could do to help, to which several students suggested a drive. They put their plan into action, eliciting the support of their home school as well as Wading River Elementary School. Thanks to the hard work and cooperation of many, together the schools packed two mini buses full of items for the Mastic Beach area.
    
“This is a powerful way to help children learn that we are all one community,” Miller Avenue Principal Louis Parrinello stated. “The students were excited to be a part of this; they made a real difference in a community that is just down the road from our own district.”
    
The district would like to thank the many people who made the Kids Helping Kids drive such a success, including Ms. Gilmore, who spearheaded the effort; Lynda Kranidis, whose class sorted the items at Miller Avenue; and Kelly Toole, who organized Wading River’s participation. Thank you also to the district’s bus company for donating the transportation of goods to the William Floyd district, as well as to the teaching assistants, teachers’ aides and all who donated to this great effort!