Stevenson Volunteers: Coney Island Lighthouse Mission

On Thursday, April 20th, over a dozen Stevenson students travelled out to Coney Island to volunteer with the Coney Island Lighthouse Mission. CILM provides emergency food to community members in need through their food pantry and soup kitchen, and they also distribute groceries and serve hot meals throughout the week. Dedicated to fighting hunger and poverty in the community, CILM has grown into the largest emergency food provider in the Coney Island area

Stevenson students worked with the mission group on organizing grocery bags for delivery, as well as preparing food for the soup kitchen. The week prior to the trip, students held a fundraiser at the school and also collected canned goods, nonperishable food items, and clothing for CILM's sister organization, Rachel's Joy Maternity Home, which provides shelter for abused young women and mothers.

The volunteer trip was coordinated by Stevenson teachers Mina Negandhi and Nick Alexander who were honored that Stevenson students could dedicate their time to giving back to the community. Nick reflects, “Putting this occasion together with our advising groups has truly been a heartwarming experience.”

At the end of the day, the students raised over $500 for the mission, donated 80 pounds of clothing, as well as over 25 Chromebooks, and served approximately 120 patrons. Read a letter of appreciation from CILM.

Visit the Coney Island Lighthouse Mission and Rachel’s Joy Maternity Home to learn more about these organizations.