Donations Help Decorate Lives

P.J. Gelinas Junior High School students and staff members learned that even the smallest donation could have a large impact on another life as they participated in a spirited Penny Wars contest this winter.

During the weeklong drive, which was coordinated by seventh-grader Sophia Adams, students and staff members donated pennies during homeroom to benefit the Setauket-based organization Room 4 Love. As added excitement, students could deposit quarters in another class’s jar to lower that homeroom’s final tally and, at the same time, increase the overall donation.

More than $800 was collected during the drive and Christian Alessi’s homeroom was rewarded with tasty treats from Crazy Crepes for winning Penny Wars.

Room 4 Love was established in 2012 by two Three Village Central School District students – Maggie and Bella Diehl with the help of their parents. The company works with another local organization – Friends of Karen – to help children with cancer and their families to complete bedroom makeovers.

Photo provided by the Three Village School District: P.J. Gelinas Junior High School seventh-grader Sophia Adams presents the school’s Penny Wars donation to Lucy Diehl from Room 4 Love.

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