Commack students donate hundreds of books

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 children 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 four years, and their siblings that Benjamin and other teachers visit in homeless shelters every week.

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

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.