Amityville HS Helps Bring Some Magic to the Homeless

Fifty-five students from Amityville Memorial High School assembled at the Sunrise Mall in Massapequa, each carrying $100 with the goal of purchasing a gift for a young child less fortunate. As a group, the students shopped for over three hours, searching for items on the “Dear Santa” list provided to them by the organization Holiday Magic, which works with local non-profits to help homeless children and their families during the holiday season.

Holiday Magic, based in Hauppauge, collected the letters and provided them to AMHS teacher and Warrior Awareness Club (aka the WAC PAC) advisor Jason McGowan, who organized the majority of the volunteer shoppers through the school-based community service club. The organization also raised the $5,500 necessary to buy the gifts. After making the purchases on their list, the AMHS students wrapped the gifts, and many seniors drove them over to Holiday Magic’s headquarters. There they were stored until Christmas Eve, when they were delivered to the shelter where the youngsters reside.

Additionally, AMHS students Shanaishia Daniels, Oscar Hernandez and Sarah Cadet met Mr. McGowan at Sayville High School one Friday evening in December to volunteer for the “Every Child’s Dream” holiday party for the homeless. While there, the Amityville students joined Sayville High School students in serving dinner and drinks, distributing coats, and supervising young children throughout the night. The party was co-sponsored by the Holiday Magic program, in conjunction with Sayville High School.

Last year, the AMHS WAC PAC participated in the “Have a Heart for the Homeless” vigil held at Farmingdale State College. More than 40 members lent a hand distributing food, clothing and other needed items to the homeless.