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A student organization at Smithtown High School East has established a special bond with residents of Sunrise Senior Living in Village of the Branch.
Using funds raised during a holiday sale, the school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) club this month donated $500 worth of toiletries and makeup for the senior center’s residents.
The donation — which included a bevy of shampoos, conditioners, lotions, nail polish and lipstick — established what looks to become an annual tradition. Last year when the seniors were unable to venture to stores during the height of the pandemic, the FCCLA stepped up to purchase toiletries and other essential items for the residents.
FCCLA Co-Presidents Alexandra Shepherd and Trisha Kanhai, together with their adviser Connie Smith, dropped off a car-load of items on Feb. 8 at the senior center.
“This year, they also asked for puzzles and board games,” said Smith, who advises the club with Jaclyn Grebosz.
“The FCCLA was more than happy to accommodate that request during a shopping trip at a nearby Dollar Store earlier in the afternoon.”
The FCCLA has also made and donated fidget blankets for Alzheimer’s patients at the senior center.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences education in public and private middle and high schools.
Top photo: FCCLA Co-Presidents Alexandra Shepherd (left) and Trisha Kanhai display fidget blankets as they prepare to unload donated items (Courtesy of Smithtown Central School District).
