Christian Kimmy’s Holiday Wish Transforms into a Communitywide Initiative Benefiting Others
MILLER PLACE, NEW YORK (DECEMBER 2020)—What began as a classroom literacy activity soon became a building wide initiative to give back to families in need—all thanks to Christian Kimmy, a 4th grader at Miller Place’s Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School (LADSBS). With the holiday season in full swing, LADSBS students took pen to paper to highlight their wishes after a class discussion about donations. Fortunately, Christian’s wish, asking his classmates to donate to those who are less fortunate, is being granted this holiday season.
“I am humbled by Christian’s generosity and thoughtfulness, particularly at such a young age. On top of that, I’m touched by his drive to inspire those around him to follow suit,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place Union Free School District. “This initiative is just one example of what takes place every day in our classrooms—the transformative power of an effective teacher like Justine Parcelluzzi and our students’ determination to leave their mark on the world for the better.”
In a personalized letter to the class, Christian asked for his peers’ help in donating to Toys for Tots, a charity that works to collect new and unwrapped toys to distribute to the less fortunate around Christmas. Since then, a collection box has been placed outside the Comsewogue Library to encourage students to bring their unwrapped toys there to donate.
