Students Kick Off Fundraisers For Hurricane-Ravaged Puerto Rico

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Learning to give back is one of the most critical life lessons children can be taught. And at school districts across the East End, students are opening their hearts in a big way to help those devastated by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

In Westhampton Beach, middle school students have kicked off a coin drive to raise funds for the St. Francis School in Puerto Rico. The school was severely damaged during Hurricane Maria, the district said.

As part of the collection, student teams are competing against each other to raise as much money has possible. The team that donates the most funds will be invited to participate in a staff vs. student ultimate Frisbee tournament on Nov. 9, school officials said.

Students will be donating to the cause through Oct. 27.

Sixth graders at the Riverhead Central School District’s Pulaski Street School are collecting items through Oct. 13 — items include nonperishable food, baby items, cleaning products and personal hygiene-related supplies. All donations will be delivered to the American Red Cross for shipping, the district said.

Teacher Daniel Estrada said he assisted the students with the drive after seeing the great success the school had in raising awareness and collecting donations for other natural disasters.

“I thought it would be great for the students to come together to support those in Puerto Rico and learn about the importance of giving back,” said Estrada. “This project is extra special for me because I am of Puerto Rican decent and have many family members who I have yet to hear from.”

Photos courtesy of the Riverhead Central School District and Westhampton Beach School District.