Huntington Teacher Helps Ensure Every Student Gets New Outfit

HUNTINGTON, NY — The first day of school for the 2019-20 calendar year is still over a month away for most students, but one Huntington teacher is teaming up with a local nonprofit to make sure every child has school supplies for the upcoming year.

Allison Von Vange, who teaches within the Huntington Union Free School District, is leading the charge in a "First Day of School New Outfit Drive," in partnership with a reverend at the Helping Hand Rescue Mission to ensure children get new backpacks, outfits and various school supplies for the upcoming year, according to a Facebook post on the school district's official page.

The mission, located at 225 Broadway in Huntington Station, is compiling a list of sizes most in need, though donations are welcome at any time. Donations should be labeled "First Day 2019" and dropped off at the above address, according to the district.

The mission was founded in 1965 with a goal to "improve the spiritual and temporal conditions of the people and communities we serve by providing excellent service to all who come, whether they be rich or poor."

Kristin Cosover-Kanzer, who commented on the Facebook post, said Von Vange and the reverend are difference-makers in the community.

"Rev. Kim and Ms. Von Vange are two extraordinary women who make a daily difference in our community. Can't wait to see those first day smiles."

The public school district in Huntington Station has about 4,600 students in grades K-12. About 47 percent are Hispanic and 40 percent are white. About half of all students in the district receive free or reduced lunch.