Cayuga Elementary Second Grader Is Holiday Hero

Elementary student raises funds and donations for 550 items that will go to Sachem kids.

Adriana Esposito wants to change the world. The Cayuga Elementary School second grader orchestrated a massive holiday toy drive that has caught the attention of the entire community.

Esposito, with the help of her parents and teachers, helped spearhead a toy drive that generated 549 items that will be distributed to children in need within the Sachem community this holiday season.

“I learned that there are many kids who don’t get toys for Christmas and this year they will,” said Adriana.

After collecting about 300 toys from family and neighbors who donated to her cause, the Fraternal Order of Police donated $1,100 and Sachem Sports Club followed suit with another $500 in donations. Toys R Us in Lake Grove gave 10 percent off purchases and allowed her to come in for private shopping time last weekend.

This project quickly outgrew the Cayuga community’s needs and will benefit Sachem North’s toy drive as well.

“She’s always trying to figure out how she can change the world and make it better,” said Adriana’s mother, Joanna. “We are so proud of her. She cares more about others than she does herself.”

Go to Facebook.com/SachemSchools to see more images from a press event held with Adriana and her family, as well as video of her speaking about her volunteerism.