Update: Rall Students Conclude Toy Drive, Receive Kudos

Another holiday season has come and gone, but not without some philanthropic efforts by many across Lindenhurst. Among those who gave back this holiday season were the students at .

They decided to collect for children who are less fortunate.

In fact, at the of December, the school's student council - guided by Valerie Dietrich and Dawn Masterson, Rall teachers and council advisors - spearheaded the effort as part of the "" - an annual collection organized by New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.

When the toy drive kicked off this year, Fuschillo met with Rall's student council and advisors to tell them about the program, which benefits the children in Winthrop Hospital’s Pediatric Ward.

All of the toys collected are delivered after the holidays so children could experience the joy of receiving a holiday gift throughout the year. More than 1,500 toys were collected as part of last year’s toy drive.

As this year's toy drive concluded, Fuschillo thanked the school and its students for once again participating in the effort.

"I wanted to thank the students and staff at William Rall Elementary School for working so hard to make a difference in the lives of others," Fuschillo said.

"Every one of the toys they collected will help bring a smile to the faces of children in Winthrop Hospital who are in need of a little extra cheer. Their efforts will bring much joy and happiness to many families, and that’s something of which they should be very proud," he added.

Editor's Note: Update: Rall's efforts were part of the more than 2,000 toys Fuschillo delivered to Winthrop's Pediatric Center on January 6, according to the state senator office.

Fuschillo was joined by representatives from the Nassau County Sheriff Officers' Association, Laborers Local 66 and Local 1298, all of which participated in the program.

Rall represented the Lindenhurst School District, and the district was one of seven school districts and 18 schools in Fuschillo's district that participated in this year's toy drive.