Members of the Great Neck Teachers Association (GNTA) recently conducted a highly successful Book Drive to benefit the children at CLASP (Children’s Living, Learning, Loving After School Program) Children’s Center and COPAY (Community Organization for Parents and Youth), both Great Neck-based organizations. A total of 328 books were collected, with 136 going to CLASP (for children up to age 5) and 192 for COPAY (for children ages 5 to 11).
Cindy Pavlic, Village School teacher and chair of the GNTA Internal Organizing Committee, which oversaw the Book Drive, spoke about the reactions when the books were delivered. “Both organizations were thrilled and surprised with the amount of donated books,” said Pavlic. “They were not expecting us to arrive with boxes and boxes of books for the children. It was an incredible experience, one that no one involved will soon forget.”
According to Pavlic, CLASP and COPAY were chosen as book drive recipients because of the “exceptional work, dedication and support” these organizations provide to the children in the Great Neck Public Schools.
COPAY Director Renee Raimondi, in a thank-you note to the GNTA, related that her students were excited about the books from the moment they arrived and they continue to be excited as they eagerly read the books each day, once they have finished their homework.
—Submitted by Great Neck Public Schools
