Students surround Principal Frank McQuail (rear, far left), New York City Councilman James F. Gennaro and Joan Foley of the American Red Cross in Greater New York.

The students of John Bowne High School (Flushing, Queens) recently presented a $1,100 donation for Hurricane Katrina disaster response to the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY). Over 100 students and teachers joined Principal Frank McQuail to present the donation to Joan Foley, director of the Queens Area Office of ARC/GNY. New York City Councilman James F. Gennaro, representing District 24, also attended to celebrate the students' contributions. Previously, the students donated $1,800 for Indonesian Tsunami relief efforts.

Realizing that every drop of help was needed, the students raised money "drop by drop" and graphically illustrated their progress on a the large map of the Gulf Coast erected in the cafeteria. The school's Chinese Christian Club raised $400 by soliciting funds from friends and associates while the art department raised $100 by holding a Mardi Gras Art Exhibit that showcased student art work that exhibited personal feelings about national disasters.

Several John Bowne students are members of the Queens American Red Cross Youth Group. Noting that there is more than one way to make a contribution, Ms. Foley urged the students to continue their legacy of giving by volunteering to improve the safety and emergency preparedness of their community.