Students Open Hearts, Create Giving Trees for Needy

RIVERHEAD, NY — Students in the Riverhead School District are sharing the holiday spirit with those less fortunate.

Every school in the Riverhead School District has a giving tree, known as an Angel Tree at the high school, according to district officials.

Students, staff and teachers have purchased and wrapped hundreds of holiday gifts, to make sure children have happy smiles this season.

Kids at the Phillips Avenue School have also been making cards in an effort to raise funds for the school's food pantry in an effort to make sure everyone can also enjoy a festive holiday meal.

The tree in the lobby at Pulaski Street School is sponsored each year by Clare Belmonte's and Dee Martin's classes at the Pulaski Street School. Students, teachers and staff bring in gifts of hats, gloves and scarves to attach to the tree, a release said.

The students in those two classes also collected and sold water bottles and were able to give $91 from their sales to the school social worker for holiday gift giving.

Photo courtesy of the Riverhead Central School District.