By DREW HECHT
After the Carolinas were devastated by Hurricane Florence, Jericho’s BOLT class decided to take action by running a fundraiser. They collected gift cards donated by each of the Jericho schools and various high school clubs.
BOLT class students worked very hard for the drive and were very proud of what it accomplished. Senior Daniel S. said, “It will give the victims food, and put clothes on their backs.” The drive also collected gift cards to help with home reconstruction, since this is a great need for the victims.
Social studies teacher Mr. Shotter was devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. He lost his house and many belongings. When he heard of the devastation in the Carolinas he wanted to help. “The memories of Sandy came rushing back when I heard about the stories in North Carolina. I made it a point to share the importance of a small act of kindness with Ms. Rinaudo and the rest of the faculty,” he said. BOLT teacher and director Ms. Rinaudo confirmed that Mr. Shotter was involved in coming up with the idea of the fundraiser. After Sandy, Mr. Shotter was displaced for 6 months. When asked about his time recovering from Sandy, he said, “Friends and family were key. Having the support of others is so important in times of crisis.” He was also grateful for the Connecticut students who “adopted” his family. The class gave his family gift cards from Toys R Us and Target in addition to buying his children gifts for Christmas. Mr. Shotter thinks that the BOLT class’s drive will help in the same way he was helped when he was in need.
However it wasn’t only Mr. Shotter who encouraged the BOLT class to conduct this fundraiser. Students in the class had other reasons for wanting to help. Junior Matthew L. said, “We had a number of connections from North Carolina who needed help which is what first brought the idea to our minds.”
After over a month of collecting, the BOLT class raised $935 from gift card donations and $52 from a bake sale. Ms. Rinaudo said, “Overall I am happy with the results and think we raised a very good amount of money.”
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