Kennedy Students Collect Money, Goods for Troops Overseas

Students enrolled in the Senior Participation in Government and AP Government classes at John F. Kennedy High School helped raise money and collected donations for active service members stationed overseas.

At the suggestion of AP Government teacher Kara McManus, Kennedy students selected the volunteer-based Adopt-a-Battalion organization to provide packages containing toiletries, candy and socks for troops.

Since October, students hosted numerous events as part of their service learning project and the fundraising efforts benefited Adopt-a-Battalion.

“Our students organized several fundraisers including bake sales and selling yellow ribbons for Veterans Day,” said District Social Studies Chairperson Karen McGuinness. “Students also collected loose change and solicited donations of toiletries from companies in the area. On Dec. 3, student volunteers also helped to package donations at a Knights of Columbus hall in Massapequa Park.”

The group raised more than $1,300.

“This will help to ease their lives while deployed overseas,” explained Richard Olson, an Adopt-a-Battalion representative. "It is so heartwarming to see young men and women taking an interest today in our service members overseas protecting us."

Photos: Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District