Volunteers From Mt. Sinai Lend a Helping Hand to Sandy Victims

Parents, students and teachers from Mt. Sinai School District made a trek out west last week to the most devastated parts of Long Island to help out people who are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

According to High School Principal Rob Grable, the team arrived in Rockaway Beach at about 7:45 a.m. to gut about five homes.

“We drove a bit further west and did the same for a few needy residents in Breezy Point,” he said.

Mt. Sinai parents who were there included Tom Burns, Joe Donadio, John Williams, Bill Tartaglia, and Mike Burridge, from Bagels Your Way Café.

The student athletes in the crew were TJ Burns, Mike Donadio, Mark Donadio, Billy Tartaglia and Coles Williams.

Middle School Counselor John Grossman, Middle School Teacher Mike Pappalardo, Middle School Art Teacher Andrea Trapani, High School Teacher John McHugh, Assistant Principal Matt Dyroff and High School Principal Rob Grable also volunteered for the trip.

The crew removed sheet rock, insulation, carpets, kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, moldings and hardwood floors.

 Grable called the experience “surreal.”

“The damage to these homes is beyond words,” Grable said. “Although we were surrounded by devastation, it was a great experience to work with our students, community members and other staff to assist those in need.”

School Superintendent Enrico Crocetti said he was extremely proud of the work they did.

“There are no words,” he said.