Young student help rescue Sandy-stricken town

BROOMALL, Pa. - November 13, 2012

Students at Russell Elementary School in Broomall are preparing some of the donated items heading for victims of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. It is part of a schoolwide, and community-wide effort.

"I know some of them, out in New Jersey, and their house, they don't have power, and I feel really bad for even more of the people down there," says Julia Fallows."

Russell's school guidance counselor, Kimberly Polonsky, knew she wanted to organize a school donation drive right after the storm struck.

She scanned a special New Jersey website to find communities in need and found Island Heights. The Ocean County borough is right on the Toms River, just inland from Seaside Heights, and in desperate need of help.

"Donations came flying in the next day," Polonsky told Action News. "We have been overwhelmed with an abundance of items to help Island Heights."

Russell Elementary has $500 worth of gift cards, and 20 boxes filled with cleaning and medical supplies, plus clothes and food, all ready to go.

Some of the items include "band aids for people if they got hurt, and toothbrushes so they can brush their teeth if they don't have any," according to student Jacob Bogsch.

The Eagle Trucking Company is bringing a vehicle to pick up all of the boxes Wednesday morning. There is still time if you would like to donate some items. You have until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

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