Three Village Central School District’s elementary SACC programs banded together through a community service project this winter to spread holiday cheer to individuals needing support or assistance.

Under the direction of SACC Supervisor Marie Boettcher and in coordination with former SACC member and Ward Melville High School graduate Matt Tranquellino, each of the five programs collected new and gently used toys and games as well as clothing items for the Association for Mental Health and Wellness. Mr. Tranquellino is the case manager for this organization, which helps coordinate care for children ages birth to 21 years of age, who have physical, academic or emotional disabilities, and often live in difficult circumstances or are homeless.  

At Minnesauke, the SACC program was supported by the building’s Student Council. The building collected clothing and also had a “Giving Tree,” which was decorated with paper ornaments listing clients’ specific wishes. Families took the ornaments off the tree and brought in a gift for the child listed on the back of the ornament. 

A few days before the gifts were donated, the SACC students had a “Wrap Party” at the program where they wrapped all the gifts and labeled them appropriately. In addition to the clothing that was brought in, the program collected over 100 gifts.