Northport Students Hold Costume Drive For Homeless Children

Throughout the month of October, fifth-graders at Dickinson Avenue Elementary School in the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District are holding a Halloween costume drive for the children at the Brentwood homeless shelter. On Halloween, the children at the shelter will host a parade, decked out in their new costumes.

The entire fifth-grade class at Dickinson is part of the Leadership Club, and this drive was their first project of the school year. Students participate in various service projects throughout the year, and can even spearhead ones that they come up with.

For this drive in particular, each student contributed in different capacities. Some reminded their peers of the drive over announcements, while others visited different classrooms and explained the drive to the other grade levels.

“We went around the school and explained that doing this drive will help homeless children have their own Halloween parade, like we’re used to having,” fifth-grader Fallon said. “It feels good to help people who are less fortunate.”

Many even gave up their recess period to help empty the boxes of costumes. The school collected 10 large garbage bags of costumes for the 350 children living at the shelter.

“Now these children can have a super cool costume on Halloween and have fun,” said fifth-grader Elliote. “All because of the kids here at Dickinson.”

Story, Photo courtesy of Northport-East Northport Union Free School District:

1. Fifth-graders at Dickinson Avenue Elementary School helped less fortunate children by conducting a Halloween costume drive for the Brentwood Homeless Shelter.