Commack students help kids in shelters

Homeless children in Suffolk County got a boost on Sunday from Commack school district students, who donated hundreds of books to a program that provides educational materials to kids in shelters.

Sarah Benjamin, teacher liaison for the Mobile Outreach Parent-Child Home Program, operated by Eastern Suffolk BOCES, said Burr Intermediate School is one of her largest donors, holding book drives twice a year.

The latest proceeds -- at least 800 books in 12 large boxes -- are destined for the 45 children, aged 18 months to 4 years, and their siblings, whom Benjamin and other teachers visit in the shelters every week.

The program helps needy children get books that they otherwise would not be able to access, Benjamin said. Often children in shelters cannot get library cards because their addresses are only temporary, she said.

Because three-fourths of children who have been through homelessness never graduate high school, it's even more important that they start their educations early, Benjamin said.

"Research has proven that the more they can read and look at books, the more it helps them succeed and be ready for school," she said.

About 500 children are in homeless shelters on Long Island, Benjamin said, and she keeps a waiting list of children and parents who want to join her program, which has a limit of 45 children.

Benjamin said her program is always seeking donations of new or gently used books for all ages.

For more information, or to donate, contact Eastern Suffolk BOCES at 631-208-1936.