Samoset Cares Continues Holiday Fundraising

While many organizations begin collecting donations right around the holiday season, the "Samoset Cares" program at Samoset Middle School is dedicated to helping community families throughout the year. The next few weeks mark the culmination of the group's year-round fundraising efforts as they work to distribute cash and gift cards to Samoset families in need.

The "Samoset Cares" program has been in effect since 2005, and is currently organized by guidance counselors Lisa Carlen, Kathy Morgillo and Melissa Capuano. The three work closely with teachers, administrators, office workers, custodial staff and food service personnel to provide Samoset families with financial assistance for educational expenses that inevitably arise.

"It is our belief that students should have the school supplies needed to be successful," said Carlen. "They should not miss out on field trips and other educational opportunities because of any financial burden."

Although the organization works on an ongoing basis, "Samoset Cares" does concentrate specifically on easing some of the financial stress that accompanies the holidays. This year, the program has a goal of $6,000 in cash and gift cards to be distributed to the 30-plus Samoset families in need of assistance.

The holiday season is all about tradition, and Samoset's custodial staff keeps one of their own by donating a new bicycle, helmet and safety equipment to a Samoset student each year. Likewise, the Family and Consumer Science department traditionally creates decorative bags of cookie ingredients to distribute to each family.

Samoset’s personnel have had a big hand in helping "Samoset Cares" to reach their goals, but the program also has its students to thank for making many families’ lives a little bit easier.

"Much of the money that we raise comes from personal donations from Samoset’s faculty and staff," noted Carlen. "However, we also hold fundraisers, such as the toy drive run by the Samoset Leaders Club which is currently underway."

The program will continue to raise money through sales at Samoset's Holiday Boutique from December 8-9, which will be made available to students during their lunch periods. Looking forward, proceeds from the “Samoset’s Got Talent” show, scheduled for May 11, will also go directly to the organization.

While "Samoset Cares" makes sure that every Samoset family is taken care of this time of year, the program’s success often allows for additional donations to be made to the Town of Brookhaven Interface Toy Drive to help others in the area. Samoset Principal Mary T. Cavanaugh weighed in on this success, as well as on the extreme generosity that she has witnessed from students, families and staff.

“I am amazed year after year when I see the results of our successful fundraisers and the mountain of toys donated to our Leaders Club,” she remarked. “I am proud to say that 'Samoset Cares' truly exemplifies the spirit of giving, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.”

Those interested in donating can contact Carlen at 631-471-1700 (ext. 3) for more information. "Samoset Cares" is an ongoing fundraiser, and cash and gift card donations are always welcome.