GLENWOOD LANDING SCHOOL HELPS THE HOMELESS

Glenwood Landing Student Government Representatives recently distributed suggestion boxes to each class. As students dropped in their individual recommendations, it was apparent that the homelessness problem in New York was a big problem on the minds of many of the Glenwood Landing children. 

GWL Student Government Advisor, Ms. Audra Marcantonio said, “After reading all of the suggestions, the GWL Student Government Representatives in the fourth and fifth grade wanted to come together as a community to help fill ‘up-cycled’ backpacks with needed items for the homeless in New York this winter.” The items included new or gently used adult gloves, hats and scarves, new adult socks, first-aid kits, toiletries such as toothbrushes, soap, and deodorant, new or gently used blankets, healthy, non-perishable snacks, and gently used backpacks. Each grade level was responsible for bringing in a particular group of items (i.e., first graders and their families volunteered the new adult socks.)

Mrs. Marcantonio stated, “Our goal was to create 25 backpacks that would be distributed through the gracious help of Mrs. Mantikas. As of January 31st, we greatly surpassed our original goal and now have approximately 80 backpacks filled with the various donated items. Inside each backpack was a note from the students with a positive message and picture letting the recipients know that they are important and matter to us.”

She concluded by saying, “I am very thankful to the GWL Student Government for embarking on this generous endeavor as well as all of our students for using their voices to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. You have the power to make positive change.”
Helping the homeless is just one of the many efforts that the GWL Student Government will be embarking on this school year. Many ideas have been placed in the suggestion boxes that will be further explored in the near future. Many thanks to everyone at Glenwood Landing and the GWL community who assisted in this compassionate and collaborative effort.   

Article and photos by Shelly Newman with assistance from GWL Student Government Advisor, Ms. Audra Marcantonio.
Photo Caption: Article and photos by Shelly Newman with assistance from GWL Student Government Advisor, Ms. Audra Marcantonio.
Pictured are GWL Student Government Representatives in the fourth and fifth grade who wanted to come together as a community to help fill ‘up-cycled’ backpacks with needed items to help the homeless in New York City this winter.
 

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