Flushing J.H.S. kids give back

Students at Junior High School (J.H.S.) 189 are in the true Christmas spirit as they are raising money to buy toys for less fortunate children.
For the past three years Gary Malone, an eighth-grade teacher at J.H.S. 189 in Flushing, has been helping the students raise funds to buy gifts to support the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation.
“I wanted to do something that will be fun for the kids; I also wanted to do something to help the kids,” said Malone. “I wanted a little more involvement from the students to make it more a memorable experience for them.”
They raise money through different events hosted inside the school, including the standard bake and candy sales. Additionally, they offer $2 wristbands that allow students uniform-free days. The students also go from classroom to classroom collecting money from any student who wishes to participate in helping Toys for Tots.
“We sold candy like World’s Finest Chocolate and gummy bears to raise money for the toys,” said eighth grader Mustafa Islam.
The students’ original goal was to raise more money than the previous year when they took in $3,500. They currently have $1,600 and are aiming to double that amount.
“It feels good to give to the kids less fortunate than us,” said student Nadia Masudi.
“Every year they are going to have nothing under their Christmas tree, this year they will have something under their tree,” said Charles Carreno. “We have things we don’t need like cell phones and the other kids don’t have anything at all.”
The students also received help from the local firehouse, Engine 273, Ladder 129, just a couple of blocks away from the school. Last year firefighter Bill Maurer donated $200, and this year he plans on donating a minimum of $300.
“I thought it was a great idea, and this year I want to try to get everyone [firefighters] to contribute, said Maurer.