Finley Students Rally for the Hungry

J. Taylor Finley Middle School students active in three separate organizations collaborated on a Thanksgiving food drive, which collected hundreds of items that were later disbursed through the good work of Helping Hand Rescue Mission in Huntington Station.

Finley students stationed themselves outside Stop and Shop in Huntington and received hundreds of food contributions from customers returning to their cars. The food drive was fueled by the dedication and teamwork of students from the Finley Student Government, Community Club and National Junior Honor Society.

The initiative highlighted the school’s commitment to supporting the local community, according to faculty club advisors. The students enthusiastically greeted shoppers, shared information about the mission’s needs and encouraged donations, resulting in a significant collection of non-perishable food items to help families in need during the holiday season.

“Their combined efforts not only made a tangible impact on the community, but also exemplified the values of leadership, service, and compassion that are at the heart of Finley Middle School,” said Keith Miller, who along with Dana Rogan serves as the student government’s faculty advisor. “Thank you to everyone in the school community that helped make this a huge success.”

Helping Hand Rescue Mission was founded in 1965 by Rev. JA Gaines, his wife, Rev. Rose Marie Gaines and her mother, Florence Meringola, according to the organization’s website. “After witnessing local poverty and food insecurity first hand, they invested everything they had into building Helping Hand Rescue Mission with the view that if they could help even person it was worth it.”