Dec. 14, 2011—Christmas came a little early for children in Rotterdam Junction this holiday season, thanks to high school students enrolled in Adam Dolan's Current Affairs in the 21st Century class.

The group of 23 students raised an astounding $2,263 during a bowl-a-thon they held in late November. The fundraiser was organized as part of a lesson on hurricanes to raise money for local flood victims impacted by the summer's tropical storms.

Students invaded the local Toys "R" Us last week using the funds to purchase shopping carts full of board games, dolls, matchbox cards, soccer balls, hockey sticks and much more.

The toys were donated and distributed on behalf of the students on Dec. 10 during the Woestina Community Celebration Day, a collaborative event sponsored by the National Association of Social Workers and numerous other community agencies. The fun-filled day was organized as a way for local families to kick-off the holiday season after the disastrous floods. 

"It was very moving to see the students take time out of their busy schedules to not only hold a fundraiser, but to physically go shopping for children who lost everything in the storms," said school board member Albert Falcone. "Adam Dolan should be commended for his great work with these students." 

[News Archives]