The students and staff at the Michael F. Stokes and J. Fred Sparke Elementary Schools in Island Trees held fundraisers to help the relief efforts for the people affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. 

Friday, January 22 was designated “Hugs for Haiti” Day.  Students and staff donated money to help the children and families devastated by the earthquake.  The money raised was donated to the American Red Cross Foundation.

At Sparke, students and staff also donated teddy bears to “Hugs Across America,” an organization that provides teddy bears as comfort to children affected by tragedy.  The students at Sparke wrote personal messages of friendship, love, hope and support, which were attached to each of the bears.  The bears will be sent to children in Haiti and in the U.S., whose families were affected by the devastation in Haiti.

Children and staff members who donated to these worthy causes were permitted to wear their pajamas to school on Friday the 22^nd, as they reflected on how lucky they are, and on the good feelings that come from being generous toward those in need.

Together, the Island Trees elementary schools raised more than $2500 for the Red Cross relief efforts, and donated hundreds of teddy bears to Hugs Across America.  More importantly, the children learned valuable lessons about compassion and generosity toward those in need.  The children were so proud of themselves, and they loved having the chance to help the people they were hearing about in the news.

We couldn’t be more proud of our generous, compassionate school communities.

Ms. Penny E. Fisher Principal J. Fred Sparke Elementary School Island Trees UFSD 100 Robin Place Levittown, NY 11756 (516) 520-2126	Mrs. Lisa Newman Principal Michael F. Stokes Elementary School Island Trees UFSD 101 Owl Place Levittown, NY 11756 (516) 520-2103