UPDATE: Bardonia Community Teams Up To Aid Hurricane Victims

Bardonia Elementary School Principal Christine Arlt said a partnership formed between parents, staff, students and Girl Scout Troop 40079 to collect donations for Hurricane Sandy victims while the school was open for voting on Tuesday.  

“It’s been overwhelming, the response,” she said, adding people who knew about the drive brought items with them, others who came to vote came back later with donations.

They collected more than 10 carloads of clothes, cleaning supplies and food that was taken to People to People, the West Nyack Fire Department and St. Anthony’s.  Donations totaling more than $2,500 were made to the American Red Cross.

The volunteers also provided breakfast and a hot lunch for anyone who did not have power. Teachers and parents served hot meals in the cafeteria for those in need while coffee and baked goods were available to the public just outside the gymnasium, which was used for voting.

PTA President Lori Galgano said all the food had been donated. Some of the hot food was taken to Pine Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation for staff who had been displaced from their homes and working extra shifts. Students and Girl Scouts stood in the lobby collecting food, clothing, blankets, toiletries and supplies.

Arlt said people began bringing in donations at 8 a.m. and she said it was “nonstop” through the day. She shared a thank you from the organizers to the community for their generous response.

BARDONIA VOLUNTEERS THANK THE COMMUNITY

Bardonia families, staff, PTA, Girl Scouts and community members volunteered at Bardonia Elementary School on Tuesday, November 6 to help with hurricane relief efforts. As the building was open for voting, families and staff wanted to assist the community by serving breakfast and a hot lunch to families affected by the hurricane, as well as to collect donations for the greater community relief efforts. The community’s support was truly overwhelming. 

Voters, families and community members donated their time, food, non-perishables, toiletries, blankets, clothing, cleaning supplies and over $2500.00!  Volunteers brought over 10 car/SUV loads of clothing to People to People, cleaning supplies and toiletries to St. Anthony’s whose relief efforts will support people on Staten Island, and blankets and coats supported the West Nyack Fire Department’s relief efforts for the families of Breezy Point, NY.  

The over $2500.00 donated was given to the American Red Cross to assist with hurricane relief efforts, and all of the food that did not go to Clarkstown community members was given to Pine Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation for their staff. Nurses and other staff are displaced and working a number of shifts to help care for residents, so it was more than welcomed!

On behalf of the staff, families, Girl Scouts and all of our Bardonia community, we THANK YOU FOR YOUR OVERWHELMING GENEROSITY and for making such a profound difference in the lives of others. 

Thank you!