Huntington students collect non-perishable food, clothing | Popgen Tech

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. — Winter sports teams at Huntington High School participated in a community service project, the school district announced.

Student-athletes and coaches collected non-perishable foods and all types of clothing. The focus was on winter items such as jackets, gloves, scarves and hats.

Jessica Kuom, a Huntington junior, wrote to athletic department officials to propose the project. Cuomo runs on the Blue Devil cross country and track teams. According to the school district, she cares about others and wants to make the world a better place.

“I came up with this idea that during the holidays, winter sports teams can help the homeless or those who can’t afford things, as well as less fortunate families now that winter is coming,” Cuomo wrote to sports officials. “I thought maybe teams could donate clothes that they don’t need or don’t fit and we could give those things to those who need certain items. I was going to make it just a track, but then I thought it would be super awesome to get other teams involved because it could really make these people’s holidays better if they can’t afford things for their kids or just things for themselves. I think it could be a really amazing thing to team up to help other people.”

Cuomo met with officials and discussed the idea with the four-member Blue Devil Varsity Club executive board.

The coaches of each winter season varsity and JV team were asked to have their captains take the initiative. The athletic department wanted it to be “kids,” the school district said.

The student-athletes collected hundreds of clean clothes and canned goods over the course of several weeks.

Huntington coaches were asked to talk to their teams about the concept of “giving back” and the responsibility to help others. The coaches were challenged to inspire their athletes to care for others and make an effort to play a small role in fighting society’s ills.

“We are proud of our teams for making efforts for the greater community so that those less fortunate have access to what they need this winter,” said Huntington Superintendent James W. Polanski. “Also, we are proud of Jessica for taking the initiative. The holiday season is all about giving, but our students and staff have always strived to do so year-round. Just another characteristic of the school district’s special community.”

All athletes were asked to bring at least one item of clothing and two non-perishable items.

Representatives from the athletic department and some members of the coaching staff delivered items to Tri-CYA and the Helping Hand Rescue Mission.