After house fire, donations sought for PTA president

The president of the Parkway Elementary School PTA issued this plea to parents Friday, asking for donations after the home of co-PTA president Debbie Edelstein fell victim to a lightning strike. The home went up in flames, destroying much of the contents.

"Dear Parkway Parents,

I am taking the extra ordinary step of e-mailing you this morning to appeal for your assistance in helping my PTA Co-President, Debbie Edelstein and her family, [whose] house was struck by [lightning] yesterday afternoon and was almost completely gutted by fire. No one was injured in the blaze, but all of their belongings were destroyed or severely damaged. Her family is going to need all of our love and support, not only for all that she does for our school, but for being one of our own.

At this time we are collecting money for her family to help them move forward from this devastating blow. Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated. Money, gift cards, etc can be left in an envelope marked "Edelstein Fire Fund" in the PTA boxes at school [or by mail to Parkway Elementary School, 300 Manetto Hill Road
Plainview, NY 11803-1397]. Please write your name on the envelope as well.

Parkway is like a family and at times like this we all need to come together and be there for one another, as we have in the past.

Take care,

Jonathan Pollard
Co-PTA President"

Sydney Edelstein, 8, reacts to her mother, Debbie Edelstein, after she finds out that her fish is OK after their house in Plainview was struck by lightning. (Photo by Kathy Kmonicek / April 23, 2010)