Elementary Schools Make Donation to Westfield United Fund's Sandy Relief

This is the second piece 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. To read yesterday's story, click here.

On behalf of all the elementary schools in Westfield, Wilson Elementary School Principal Joseph Malanga presented a $4,000 donation to the Westfield United Hurricane Sandy Westfield Relief Fund. 

This donation was a result of the “Twelve Days of Giving” established in the six elementary schools and kindergarten to aid Westfield residents who have experienced hardships due to Hurricane Sandy, Westfield schools spokesperson Lorre Korecky told Patch.

The Westfield United Fund whose mission is to help people in Westfield care for one another by providing support for the essential programs and services offered by local member agencies, announced it had established a Hurricane Sandy Westfield Relief Fund on Nov. 6. 

"All of us at the Westfield United Fund are very grateful to the families who have contributed to the Hurricane Sandy Westfield Relief Fund," said Deidre Gelinne, executive director of the Westfield United Fund. "Your donations will be used to help your fellow residents who have suffered severe damage to their homes. Even though they may have insurance and/or receive assistance from FEMA, there are still expenses that are not covered by these agencies, and in some cases they are quite substantial.

"If you would like to make a donation by December 31, please go to our website, westfieldunitedfund.org. You can also download the application for assistance on the site. For further information, please call 908-233-2113."

Wilson students also raised funds for those in need at the Jersey shore. With the help of third grade teacher Maureen Willis, the class raised approximately $3,700 by selling the Jersey Shore Relief Bracelets, with funds going to Jersey Shore Relief. 

On Friday, Nov. 16, third graders from Willis’ class set up shop during lunch and on the playground after school to sell “Peace, Love, Jersey Shore” bracelets to support those who have lost their homes and possessions as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

The girls running the stand explained that the cause is important to them because New Jerseyans living near the coastline need help from others to rebuild their homes, and giving $2 (or more, if desired) for a bracelet is one way to contribute.

“They are a bunch of little minds with big hearts and big ideas,” said Willis on the day of the sale.   

Additional donations, made payable to the Red Cross, were delivered to that organizaton.