Little Hands, Big Hearts

Every Friday, at the Connetquot Elementary School in East Islip, Melissa Love’s second graders and Jennifer Rizzo’s kindergarten class come together as "Book Buddies" to read, or work on a project. In the spirit of this holiday season, the students decided they wanted to work together for the good of others. The children met after school to make happy holiday cards and put together "Socks of Love" to give to the homeless. The students and their buddies filled the socks with soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste as well as their handmade colorful cards.

When the members of the Book Buddies and their teachers were asked how they felt about helping other people, they shared that they felt proud for being able to give back to their community and to help others. Kindergartener Juliana said, “It made me feel good.” Second grader Sophia exclaimed, "I feel happy and proud because I helped people live a better life." Emma added, "I liked making Socks of Love because it is nice to give people help who need it. “The “Socks of Love” donations were collected by representatives from Mercy Haven in Islip Terrace to give to those in need.