Elementary School Students Support Breast Cancer Coalition

Elementary school students across West Islip are lending a helping hand to the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition (WIBCC) by donating a host of items to the organization that will be used as part of raffles at fundraisers for the organization in the months ahead.

The idea of getting youngsters at the school district’s six elementary schools involved in the fund raising effort was hatched by Dan Hunter, principal at .

“I went to Mr. Hunter on behalf of the WIBCC with the idea of collecting baskets of items for use with our upcoming fashion show raffle,” said Margaret Campise, president of the WIBCC. “He said it would be great to get all the elementary schools involved.”

She noted that in addition to Hunter playing a big role, Bellew teacher Dianna Grancagnolo also helped rally the students to collect the many items received by the WIBCC.

This past Friday, Campise and her “helpers,” Dorathy and Chris MacManus, visited Bellew, and elementary schools to collect the items donated by students and their families. During those pickups, Campise spoke with students about the mission of the breast cancer coalition and the importance of the many services it offers, such as the Lend A Helping Hand program.

“I was glad to have the opportunity to talk with some students and let them know where their donations are going,” she said. “It’s important that the students know that their efforts are helping people in their community who are fighting breast cancer. Some of the children told me that their mothers or grandmothers had breast cancer and are survivors.”

In the coming days, Campise plans on visiting the school district’s remaining elementary schools — , and — to pick up donations from students.