Catherine Juliano and Mary Guzman-Lewis are always striving to help others in need. The two Woodhull Intermediate School social workers recently organized a food drive to feed the hungry at Thanksgiving.
“As November approached, Ms. Guzman-Lewis and I were just starting to prepare our gift-giving program for the holiday season,” Ms. Juliano explained. “We started to think about how we could help families in need for Thanksgiving. Fortunately, our social work colleagues in the Huntington UFSD have partnered with Helping Hand Rescue Mission in the past, so it was a no-brainer to collaborate with them again.”
The two Woodhull faculty members helped mobilize students, parents and their staff colleagues to support the initiative.
Led by Rev. Kimberly Gaines-Gambino, Helping Hand Rescue Mission is a local organization that seeks to improve life for local children and families.
Throughout November, Woodhull students and staff donated a variety of needed items, including stuffing mix, canned vegetables, snacks, pancake mix, etc. “We were overflowing with food by the time Helping Hand Rescue Mission came to pick up the donations,” Ms. Juliano said.
Woodhull Principal Scott Oshrin did all he could to drive up participation and help make Thanksgiving Day a happy time for hungry local children and their families.
“We are so grateful for all the Woodhull participation,” Ms. Juliano said. “Not only does this food drive help local families in need, but it benefits those who give! When our students participate in a community service project like this it helps lift spirits and provides a sense of purpose. Most of all, it brings us together as a school community and helps promote a sense of connection.”