Students of the Port Jefferson School District take part in many charitable endeavors throughout the year and the winter holiday season is no exception.

After engaging in Thanksgiving charitable giving drives, students were back in action in early December with lists of specific gifts for local children, organizing bake sales and other fundraisers. The students volunteered during their lunch periods and after school to assemble care packages, using their artistic skills to wrap presents and ready them for delivery to bring joy to local children.

At Edna Louise Spear Elementary School, under the leadership of guidance counselor Jessica Peterson, staff, students and parents collected toys and other items and worked along with members of the Port Jefferson Library and The United Methodist Church of Port Jefferson to ensure a happy holiday for 18 Port Jefferson children. They credit the high school student organization for donating gifts for three of the children.

The Middle School National Junior Honor Society, along with advisor and teacher Philip Giannusa held a festive wrapping event. They and the members of the student council and advisor Allison Giannusa purchased gifts with money they raised from bake sales and also donated gift cards to local families in need. Their efforts benefited local children and their packages were delivered to the families just before the holidays.

For more than a decade Earl L. Vandermeulen High School has partnered with the Rotary Club of Port Jefferson, whose members fundraise throughout the year to purchase toys and clothing for a local charity. They then bring the hundreds of items to the high school where they are sorted, labeled and organized by members of the school’s Interact Club under the direction of adviser Deirdre Filippi.

“It’s a nice feeling to be a part of a community that cares so much about each other,” said student Billy Scannel, as he wrapped gifts one day after school with fellow students, Rotary members and school administrators.