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Principal Peter Politi said when the devastation in the Gulf Coast became apparent "faculty members asked what could be done. We went online and learned that some schools in Biloxi were virtually washed away. We adopted the Gorenflo Elementary School and thanks to our generous students, their parents and our incredibly supportive faculty and staff, more than 500 'gently used' backpacks and in excess of 8,000 'lovingly read' books were donated to the school as well as $5,000 in cash."
Last week in a telephone interview with Susan Patterson, principal of the Gorenflo Elementary School, the career educator described her community as still reeling from the effects of the monster storm.
"Before Katrina struck, we had 373 children enrolled in our school. Today, I have 127 boys and girls instated. We have 10 FEMA trailers that we'll be moving into before Thanksgiving. It's been a painfully slow process but as my momma told me years ago, "One step at a time!'"
Patterson called the aid provided by the residents of Putnam County as being phenomenal. "Principal Politi and the teachers from Mahopac who visited us, Diane D'Alessandro and Jim Lieto, were all astounded by what they observed. We were totally overwhelmed. We cried like babies after comprehending the generosity of total strangers from so many miles away-strangers who have become friends."
Patterson said the Lakeview School was one of the first two outside groups to assist. "We can never begin to show our appreciation since the shipment of school supplies is going a long way."
Patterson described the backpacks as a "godsend for our kids. They lost everything. In most cases, we were able to provide each child with two backpacks. Many of the children are living in tents and trailers. The only way to transport items to and from home and the grocery store or general store was to have a backpack on their backs. Each child was provided with a pair of backpacks-one for school and the second for household chores."
Patterson called the Lakeview School family "our guardian angels. The holidays will be a little brighter for us all this year due to the love and concern of the people of Mahopac."
Politi was also impressed by the concern and caring of the entire school community. "The day the items were shipped, our high school students pitched in for something that our elementary school started. The Mahopac community really kicked in on this humanitarian effort," he said.
In addition to the small army of parents, students and teachers, Politi expressed thanks to local businesses for assisting. The entrepreneurs included Cigar Box Studio of Newburgh, Mahopac National Bank, Pepsi Bottling Group, Travel Network of Mahopac, Diamond Truck Rentals, Roadway, Fisher Brothers Chevrolet, Park Ford and the Mahopac Chamber of Commerce.
Other businesses involved included Re-Max Classic Realty, Ridgeview Auto Body, Four Brothers Restaurant, Putnam Propane and Ariano's Restaurant.
Youngsters enrolled in the Mahopac High School Soccer Program also participated as did members of Putnam County Sheriff's Department's PBA.
Mahopac Superintendent Dr. Robert Reidy also complimented the entire community for its philanthropic effort.
"To see these thousands of books and hundreds of book bags along with parents and staff volunteering their time after school makes you feel great about being part of the Mahopac school community," said Reidy.
