New Hyde Park Road School students participated in a selfless act of kindness before the winter break with the help of brothers Mike and Nick Fiorito, the founders of the organization Blankets of Hope.
The brothers’ mission is to inspire a global movement of kindness by giving blankets and handwritten notes to the homeless. After seeing Mike and Nick on the news last spring, New Hyde Park Road teacher Cindy Hazelton approached the Building Leadership Team about bringing the Blankets of Hope activity to the school.
“I felt that this would be a great way to teach the students empathy,” said Hazelton, who helped to organize the brothers’ visit.
Students in grades 3-6 gathered on Dec. 17 to write friendly notes and holiday greetings on paper, which were then attached to purple blankets.
Approximately 360 blankets will be donated to shelters across Long Island, including the Mary Brennan Inn, Nassau Haven, St. Aidan’s Church, Safe Center LI, Coalition for the Homeless, Holy Redeemer and Family and Children’s Association.
“What you guys did today was really incredible,” said Nick, during an assembly held after the activity. “It doesn’t matter how old you are to make a difference.”
