West Islip Students "Shine" to Help Disabled Kids in Need

Elementary schoolers will help a disabled child in need after donating through the month of November. 

Gold, silver and colored stars decorate the main hallway at West Islip’s Oquenock Elementary School to honor the names of ”shooting star” students who donated to a cause that will give a tricycle to a local disabled child in need, according to a school press release.

Oquenock staff and families focused on Share the Voice, a nonprofit program working to enhance the lives of disabled children, in order to make a difference in the lives of those in the community with physical and cognitive impairments, the release stated.

The school’s goal was to raise $1,500 for the construction of a tricycle featuring the necessary accommodations.

The Share the Voice fundraiser ran through the month of November, with the goal achieved in just three weeks. As a result, a West Islip child with disabilities will now have the opportunity to ride with their siblings and friends.

“What a beautiful gift to give a child – the ability to enjoy their natural environments and gain independence and confidence,” said teacher Nicole Cagno-Angerame, the math adviser who suggested that Oquenock implement the program.

[Photos courtesy of West Islip School District]

[Photo 1: Students at West Islip’s Oquenock Elementary School celebrated the successful Share the Voice fundraiser to provide a tricycle to a disabled child.

Photo 2: Oquenock staff member Annmarie Schneider, kindergarten teacher Joanna Grimm, teacher and math adviser Nicole Cagno-Angerame, and Principal Jack Maniscalco celebrated the successful Share the Voice fundraiser to provide a tricycle to a disabled child.]