Amityville students have a heart for the homeless

On Tuesday, February 13, Amityville High School students and staff members attended the Have a Heart for the Homeless candlelight vigil from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the United Way of Long Island in Deer Park. The vigil was sponsored by the Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless. Amityville students Kevin Graham, Reyanna Williams, Gabrielle Bernard and Ashley Eareckson, along with teachers Jason McGowan and Rebecca DePaolo donated nonperishable Foods and baby items for the event.

"It was such a good feeling knowing that we helped out someone who is less fortunate than us, I'm glad we were able to help out" junior Gabrielle Bernard.

The Amityville students were invited by Nassau- Suffolk Coalition chair Charlie Russo, who also helped run the "Christmas Magic" program that these same Amityville students were involved with in December. The volunteers were given T-shirts, buttons and candles, which they held as John Lennon's Imagine played in the background.

"It was so cold tonight, I can't imagine being homeless and having to sleep outside, it makes me realize how lucky I am to have a warm bed to sleep in" said junior Reyanna Williams.

The volunteers also had the chance to listen to an inspirational story from a local teenager who at one time was homeless and living on the street. She spoke about the hardships and tribulations that she faced during this terrible time. She also talked about never giving up and to follow your dreams. "I thought that I had it tough at times, but after hearing a girl my age speak about some of the stuff she has gone through, makes me realize never to take life for granted" said sophomore Kevin Graham.

According to the Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for Homeless website, over $1,000 worth of non-perishable foods and baby items, such as diapers and formula, were donated the night of the event.

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