Student council members at Waverly Park Elementary School embraced the power of kindness this holiday season by raising more than $200 for the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, a nonprofit organization that keeps families with sick children close to each other and provides the care and resources they need. 

With the guidance of student council moderators Shari Bowes and Courtney Jacobs, the student council members sold blue rubber bracelets inscribed with the words “Choose Kindness” for $3 during lunch periods. Those that donated to the cause also received a paper ornament known as a “cheer gram,” to write their name on and place on the school’s kindness tree. During the course of the two sale days, the tree was filled with student ornaments in the school lobby. 

The student council will visit the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island on Dec. 17 and 18 to donate their funds and non-perishable food items to the organization. The students will also be baking for the families there during their visit.