Dows Lane Elementary Students Raise Money For UNICEF

IRVINGTON, NY — Dows Lane Elementary School students raised $1,759.44 for the United Nations Children’s Fund this year, doing their part in making a positive difference in the world. Under the leadership of teachers Susan Buck and Diane Kiernan, the students — many of whom learned about the program through morning announcements and school assemblies — began collecting money on Halloween using Trick or Treat for UNICEF boxes.

They brought the donations they collected from members of the community to school, while several third-graders volunteered during their recess to sort coins and bills and count the money in preparation for bringing it to the bank.

Sunnyside Bank in Irvington generously allowed the Dows Lane teachers to use the coin counting machine to tally the amount of money collected.

The elementary school has been participating in Trick or Treat for UNICEF since 1998 and has contributed more than $50,000 over the years.

Sarah Carnahan, a fondly remembered Dows Lane teacher, spearheaded the effort.

“This tradition has been continued to honor her memory and also to enable our young students to realize that they can make a difference supporting other children in need,” Kiernan said. “This year, the funds raised will support lifesaving efforts brought on by recent disasters.”

UNICEF works to give children around the world healthier lives and brighter futures by providing vaccines and clean water to those in need.

“The students collected for UNICEF during our Character Building program theme of ‘actions,’” Principal Deb Mariniello said. “They learned about how one's actions can affect the people and things in our community, and that doing something can help the community. We are so proud of our students and staff who work as a Dows Lane community to take action and make a difference in the lives of others.”

Photo credit: Irvington Union Free School District.