For many, the call that arrived on Sunday, October 28^th, announcing the absence of school the next day was a cause for celebration. However, as high winds whipped around homes and tree branches obstructed roads, the happy mood wore off. Hurricane Sandy, one of the largest storms to hit the New York area in a century, was arriving, and its arrival was obvious.  Nearly a month after the fact, students left in its wake face tremendous damage to homes and property; but more importantly, their lives have been upheaved.

Hundreds of students and staff, many like us, have been put in a situation many do not picture when they think of New York. Hurricane Sandy ravaged an area not typically vulnerable to hurricane damage, but after hundreds of thousands of people faced power outages for weeks and destroyed homes, nobody can deny the destruction these storms can potentially have here. Especially for middle school students like ourselves, we have never really had a storm of this magnitude hit so close to home; nor were we anticipating the effect of the storm on our daily lives. While many were joyous over the weeklong break from school, power outages forced us to turn away from our televisions, computers and other electronics which have become a given in our lives. Although many still had various smartphones, iPods, and other devices, which kept them still loosely tied to the online world, it was a new experience to reach for the Internet and realize that it was not there.

Fortunately for our area, the only effects we suffered from the hurricane were minor inconveniences. For many others, especially from New York City, the damage was severe. Kids faced ruined homes and many schools were extremely damaged. Many people squeezed in with relatives in cramped apartments, and thousands more turned to shelters. Despite the weeklong absence from school, many buildings were unable to function the next Monday. Hundreds of kids were transferred to schools far from their neighborhoods. Buses were sent to transport the already displaced students sometimes over an hour away, but this transportation time did not include the waiting for the bus, which could be anywhere from an hour late to not appearing at all. This process to get to school in the morning for these students was not only required a few times, either. Some schools facing heavy damage were expected to open as late as November 30^th. The thousands of children already facing difficult times due to poverty see a bleak holiday season amid destroyed homes and lost belongings.

Students at Dobbs Ferry Middle School have answered to the needs of these storm sufferers. The French and Spanish Honor Societies have held fundraisers for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, in the form of pajama and hat day. Not only were many students pleased to be able to deviate from normal school dress in pajamas and hats, but they also were funding Sandy relief efforts.  A coat drive has also sprung up in the front of the school for those who lost warm clothing and face chilly days ahead. The National Junior Honor Society also will have a Candy Gram and Pajama Day set of fundraisers with part of the proceeds to benefit the victims. “People should not be without homes, food and clothing. I feel horrible for the people who lost these necessities,” says Elizabeth Bloom, a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

During this holiday season, which many have called “the happiest time of year,” many will be facing new loss and dreary days. While most of us are spending happy times with family, we must remember those who may not have been so fortunate during the devastating storm. “It is essential that we, who have so much, give back to those who lost everything,” says Hannah Brown, an eighth grader. This holiday season when many, most likely yourself as well, are receiving gifts, take a moment to think about those who may not be facing such happy times and decide what you can do to help.