KINGS PARK —Kings Park Central School District Unit members are helping local families in need through their third annual school supplies drive.
“Throughout the year, we hold member meetings at which we give out raffle tickets in exchange for school supplies,” said Kings Park Central School District Unit President Rich Lasnier. “Members can also make a school supplies donation or give us funds toward purchasing them.”
For the convenience of members, a school supplies donation box is left in all of the Kings Parks school buildings so members can casually donate throughout the school year.
“We start collecting school supplies for the following year right after we’re finished with the current drive,” said Kings Park Central School District Unit 1st Vice President Dave Guichard.
“It’s really important to our unit members that we hold this event because it helps the students that we serve,” said Kings Park Central School District Unit Treasurer Jenny Jones. “Not all of the parents can afford to buy these things.”
“After the success of last year’s drive, our members started to realize the impact their donations made on the students’ lives,” said Lasnier. “It encouraged them to donate even more this year.”
The social workers, psychologists and guidance staff help the Kings Park Superintendent of Schools Timothy Eagen, decide which families will receive the school supplies.
“We’re like a family in Kings Park,” said Kings Park Central School District Unit member Brenda Hetterich.“It’s amazing how this community comes together when someone is in need.”
— Wendi Bowie
