Westfield School District Reaches Out to Help Sandy Victims

This is the first in a multi-part series about the Westfield School District coming to the aid of Superstorm Sandy victims. Check back with Patch throughout the week to learn more about how students and staff are making a difference in Westfield and beyond. 

The following letter, written Thursday, Dec. 6, comes from Westfield High School Earth Science teacher Sara Soriente:

"On the day before Thanksgiving, I spoke to my students about Hurricane Sandy.  I had been down to my family's shore house the weekend before and was shocked to see first-hand the devastation that tore apart the shore. I wanted to tie in the Earth Science teachable moment with an opportunity to "do good." In speaking with my students, I showed them a video clip of the damage sustained at the shore and New York. We then spoke about how we have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Next I asked them if there was something simple that we could do as a class to help.

"Each class decided unanimously that they wanted to do something. I told them if they brought in any donations, I would personally hand deliver them to areas in need.  

"Well, today I personally hand delivered a Honda Pilot full of food, coats, and a $100 Home Depot that I purchased with their loose change and monetary donations.

"I delivered the goods to a woman who has been working with St. Paul's Church in Bayhead. The church is now feeding upwards of 600 people three times a day.  They are also supplying food and personal items to the National Guard troops stationed in the area as well as FEMA agents."