Bring a can, wear your jams

Children at Brooklyn Avenue may have come to school on Nov. 22 looking like they just rolled out of bed, but it was actually their reward for doing a good deed.

The District 24 elementary school hosted its annual Thanksgiving food drive, and any child who made a donation was allowed to wear their pajamas to school. Principal Dr. Scott Comis said enough food was collected to help 34 families, consisting of nearly 250 people. He noted that many extended families live in the neighborhood.

Throughout November, students brought food into school including canned vegetables, soup, cereal and snacks. The food drive was organized by school nurse Maria Griffin, who partnered with Grace United Methodist Church.

Students said they were happy to help out. Evan Miller, co-president of the Student Council, said he hopes the donations will allow everyone to have an enjoyable Thanksgiving. “It’s really important to donate to help those who need it the most,” he said. “It makes me feel good to know that there are people who will have food and be happy.”

Christina Hillery, also co-president, said she is sad to know that there are people right in Valley Stream who struggle to buy food.

Student Council Vice President Adrian Sierzega, who donated two cans of ravioli, agreed. “Some people can’t afford it,” he said, “and we can help them and feed them.”

Third-grade teacher Debbie Migliore, the advisor to Student Council, said she was impressed with the generosity shown this year. “The students look forward to doing this every year because it shows that they’re a part of the community,” she said. “Some of us have so much, and it makes us feel good to give to others.”

She said the staff members also chip in money to buy turkeys for the families, which are delivered personally by Griffin. Lisa Farney, the school custodian, also plays a big role in the food drive by organizing all the donations, checking expiration dates and packing the items to be shipped to the church.