West Islip High School Students with HEARTT (helpful, empathetic, altruistic, respectful, tenacious teens) recently collected items for the Westhampton Air National Guard Base men and women serving to protect us. For more than eight years, the students have annually been collecting military care packages and writing letters of thanks to service members to wish them a happy holiday.

Care packages contain thank-you cards, trail mix, gloves, socks, candy, gum, playing cards and more. “We are so proud of our students for taking the time to thank them for their service,” said adviser Virginia Scudder. The HEARTT mentor group is in its 16th year. Last year, the group collected more than 100 boxes, which were then delivered to the base.

The group has traveled to Grenada several times and held a one-on-one “teacher in the making” camp for underprivileged children. They will be collecting items for the children this New Year and hope to return to Grenada.

Date Added: 12/30/2024