As more and more of our students and their families are facing financial hardship, the Caring Closet concept was developed. We seek donations of gift cards that our social workers provide to families in need. Cards may be for a specific purpose such as needed clothing, school supplies, taxi fare for a school appointment, or for holiday shopping. We have provided gift cards for family recreational opportunities, always the last expense a family will incur, yet so critical in a child’s development. We have helped several families during the past three years who have been burned out, losing most of their possessions. Click here to lean how to donate.

Social workers are privy to the confidential information regarding a student’s housing and financial status and make informed decisions in the distribution of gift cards.

School	Social Worker	Phone Number
Benjamin Franklin ES	Beth Luft	914-245-7444
George Washington ES	Trish Camia-Cass	914-528-2021
Lincoln Titus ES	Andrea Cooper	914-528-2519
Thomas Jefferson ES	Kayley Harkins	914-245-4802
Van Cortlandtville ES	Katherine Rodefeld	914-528-1354
Lakeland Copper Beech MS	Kate Schiff	914-245-1885
Lakeland HS	Dawn Pellegrino	914-528-0600
Walter Panas HS	Michael Weitman Angela Perales	914-739-2823

Gift cards from the following have been provided to families: A&P, Shoprite, Stop & Shop, Walmart, K-Mart, ToysRUs, Old Navy, Sears, Gas Stations, Lakeland Deli, McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s Regal Cinemas.