Brookhaven Animal Shelter to receive an early gift

Thanks to the kind heart and generous spirit of a Center Moriches student, the cats and dogs at Brookhaven Animal Shelter will have a merrier Christmas this year.

Seven-year-old Jack Hughes, a second grader at Clayton Huey Elementary School, recently spearheaded a fundraiser to benefit the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. He was inspired to do so after he watched a video at school about a student who organized a fundraiser for his local aquarium by recycling water bottles. 

While at a friend’s house later that day, Jack noticed an oversized empty plastic water bottle and thought, I should do something with this bottle. He spoke to his mother Amanda about it, and together, they came up with the idea of collecting bottles and cans that they would recycle, with the proceeds going to the animal shelter. 

“When we talked about doing a fundraiser, Jack wanted to help the cats and dogs that don’t have homes. He wanted to give them a little extra love,” recalled his mother.

Jack spent the month of October knee-deep in recyclables. His fundraising efforts quickly became a family affair, with his parents and sister, Nova, a fourth grader at Clayton Huey, pitching in to help. Jack’s mom and dad reached out to family and friends asking for recyclables, while his mom also made a post about the fundraiser on several social media pages. Jack’s fundraiser was also included in morning announcements at school.

The response was overwhelming, said Amanda, and it wasn’t before long that the Hughes’s garage was transformed into a recycling facility. Jack and his family spent weeks picking up donations, sorting the items, and filling large garbage bags before delivery day to a recycling facility in Brentwood. When that day arrived, it took two vehicles to transport the collected recyclables. 

“We collected 3,200 bottles and cans in total,” reported Jack.  

Between the money raised from cashing in the recyclables and monetary donations that were made, Jack raised a grand total of $228, which he will officially present to animal shelter staff at the Dec. 17 town board meeting. At that time, Brookhaven councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig will take the opportunity to thank Jack for a job well done, while presenting him with a proclamation which will proclaim Dec. 17 as Jack Hughes Day in the Town of Brookhaven.

“I was extremely moved when I saw the posting on Facebook about Jack’s fundraiser. At only 7 years old, Jack already understands what it means to give back to his community in a selfless way. It’s impressive and is most certainly worthy of special recognition,” said Dunne Kesnig.

Jack also received praise from the Center Moriches School Board, administration, and staff at the Nov. 6 board meeting for his philanthropic actions. 

“I was thrilled to hear that Jack was inspired by the video,” said his teacher, Maureen Mangialardi. “I’m always hoping that our talks inspire the kids to be kind, not to be afraid to make mistakes, understand that big feelings are okay, etc. It’s one thing for kids to talk about what they can do to make a difference, but to take it to the next level and actually implement something like this project is pretty special and unique at this young age.”