Vanderbilt Students Help Sandy Victims in Lindenhurst

On November 28, Vanderbilt Elementary School student council members, Teachers Katherine Homenides and Bridget Conway and Principal Martin Boettcher set out for Camp Bulldog in Lindenhurst, loaded with ‘lots of supplies collected in the school.

Camp Bulldog serves as a home base for South Shore residents who are still reeling from Hurricane Sandy. At that location, hot meals are served, warm winter coats and blankets are plentiful, and all the necessary cleaning supplies are available to help families get their lives and homes back on track.

For the Half Hollow Hills students, the Camp Bulldog visit, coordinated by volunteer Andrea Curran, proved to be more than just a good-will community service effort. It was a learning experience as well. Students saw first-hand the extensive damage, and worked side-by-side with Red Cross representatives organizing supplies and clothing, and packing over 200 ‘care’ bags that looked like Santa’s sacks for residents. Fourth grade student Katie Fontana said, “I liked sorting the clothes and talking with people that came.” Dylan Dubinsky remarked, “The best part of the day was helping people and loading the bags on the truck.”

One visitor to Camp Bulldog in particular, a lady named Annie, made an impression on the students.  Annie shared her story about the cold, dark night, as water quickly filled her home and she and her cat sought refuge on the second floor. Annie comes to Camp Bulldog daily because she is still without power in her house. Student Kameron Ipektchi said, “I felt really sad for her but I was happy I met her and could help.”

To view a short video of the Vanderbilt students in action, click here.

For additional information about Camp Bulldog, located at Shore Road Park in Lindenhurst, visit helplindy.com.

Browse through the photo gallery to capture the spirit of the day.

Photos by Katherine Homenides, Article Submitted by Felice Kristall.