Students and advisor holding giant check

Bethpage students recently recognized the importance of mental health awareness as they celebrated P.S. I Love You Day. Members of Bethpage High School’s S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and S.P.E.C. (Students Putting an End to Cancer) clubs  raised $2,625 in honor of the special day which was started by the P.S. I Love You organization. The goal of the organization is to foster an environment where affected individuals are supported and a community is created where everyone feels welcomed, loved, and supported.

The club members organized their first clothing fundraiser for the occasion and were supported by club adviser and school social worker Sarah Glassman. They created an online store and sold P.S. I Love You apparel to all students in grades K-12, families, and staff. The sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, T-shirts, and hats had the words “You Matter” printed on them in purple lettering, the designated color of P.S. I Love You Day. The community was encouraged to wear their new apparel on February 10, P.S. I Love You Day.

All the proceeds from the clothing sale will be split and donated to P.S. I Love You Day, Inc. and the Long Island Crisis Foundation. It will also support the district’s mental health and wellness initiatives.