By: Rob Austin/LCSW
Ocean Academy recently hosted a successful clothing drive. It is interesting how the clothing drive got started. Each morning the 11th graders take part in a social skills current/events group. The hurricanes that devastated parts of America and Puerto Rico were discussed extensively. Many students asked what they could do to help the victims and this lead to an open dialog discussing ways that would be effective. One of the students created a flyer which was sent out to the entire agency, and other community based organizations. The response was amazing, and the outpouring of compassion was wonderful for the students to witness. With the assistance of Ms. Marianne, and our trusty school bus we hit the road to pick up donations within our community, this was an opportunity for the students to see firsthand the generosity of people in the community. Ocean Academy students assisted in all aspects of the clothing drive. They were especially helpful with the loading, and unloading of the school bus which was overflowing with donations. Many people donated, including the families of Ocean Academy students, OMHS employees, businesses and families within the community. We would like to send a special thank you to Ocean Partnership for Children, otherwise known as CMO, who work tirelessly for the families in our community and exceeded our expectations for donations. They alone almost filled our small school bus almost to capacity. Thank you to all who participated in making our clothing drive a success!
