Elwood Middle School Student Council members have made it their mission to give back to those in need this holiday season. For several years, involved students have held annual winter coat drives to benefit local members of the Elwood community. However, this year they expanded their efforts to include winter scarves, gloves, hats, socks, toiletries and diapers to be donated to “Helping Hand Rescue Mission” in Huntington.  

Student Council representative Camila Avila, a seventh grader at Elwood Middle School, acknowledged the pandemic’s financial impact on families across Long Island, which she said further emphasizes the importance of giving back to those less fortunate. 

“I think it’s a great opportunity to represent your grade,” Camila said. “I think it’s also great to give back to our community because right now is a hard time for a lot of people.”

Echoing those sentiments was Elwood Middle School sixth grader, Bella Ronai, who joined Student Council in September after serving as a member of James H. Boyd Intermediate School’s Student Council in both third and fourth grade. As an incoming student with limited opportunities for after school events due to COVID-19, Bella said that the club has been an important outlet for her to get involved in the middle school community, while also making a difference in the lives of others. 

Camila, who also served on Boyd’s Student Council team in grades 3-5, added that she plans to expand her volunteer work outside of school to benefit local charities year-round.