Floral Park-Bellerose School Sends Candy Coated Message to the Troops

Student Council Raises 600 Pounds of Candy for Senator Martins' Candy Drive

In the days following Halloween, the students at the Floral Park-Bellerose School had no problem parting with the candy they received trick-or-treating, especially since they knew it was going to a great cause.

The Floral Park-Bellerose School Student Council collected 600 pounds of candy, which will go to the troops serving in the Armed Forces through a candy drive sponsored by Senator Jack M. Martins in partnership with Dr. Edward Gottlieb of Mid-Island Dental Group, located at 182 Hillside Avenue in Williston Park, entitled, “Sweets For Soldiers.”

Dr. Gottlieb has been collecting candy after each Halloween to donate to the troops through the organization, Operation Gratitude. This year, Dr. Gottlieb and Senator Martins joined forces in the effort to raise candy.

After Halloween, the Floral Park-Bellerose School Student Council, which is comprised of fourth, fifth and sixth grade students in the school, raised the candy and decided to donate it to Sweets for Soldiers. Senator Martins picked up the candy from the school on Friday, November 4. During his visit, the Senator met with student council faculty advisors Chris Washousky and Renee Spanos, Principal Jamie Adams, and Floral Park Bellerose School District Superintendent Dr. Lynn Pombonyo and had the opportunity to speak with the members of the student council.

“The Floral Park-Bellerose School is an outstanding school and the students had no problem giving up their Halloween candy to show their appreciation for our service men and women fighting to preserve our freedom. I can’t thank them enough. They are already showing they understand how important community service is. I applaud them,” Senator Martins said. “I also want to thank Dr. Pombonyo, Ms. Adams, Mr. Washousky and Ms. Spanos for fostering an environment where students learn about generosity.”

The Floral Park-Bellerose School Student Council had another successful drive recently when the students raised 1,009 items for the Interfaith Nutrition Network.

For more information on Operation Gratitude, visit www.operationgratitude.com.

Senator Martins expresses his thanks to the following students for their generosity:

Representatives

6th Graders- Thomas, Josh, Frances, Anna, Diana, and Megan

5th Graders- Robert, Julia, Mackenzie, Sarah, Ethan, and Alex

4th Graders- Harry, Daniel, Olivia, Dylan, Eamon, and Jamie

Alternates

6th Graders- Shane, Krithi, Rebecca, Natalie, Miranda, and Victoria

5th Graders- Anthony, Chris, Jillian, Salvatore, Maggie, and Matthew

4th Graders- Robert, Emilee, Michael, Rushana, Bridget, and Caitlin