Arboga penny drive a success

Students from Arboga Elementary School in Olivehurst recently raised $1,000 to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy through a penny drive. The money was sent via check to PS207 Rockwood Park, a pre-K through eighth grade school that was hit hard by the storm, in Howard Beach, Queens, NY.

The entire basement of the school was flooded, and flood waters entered the first floor, damaging the gymnasium floor and auditorium. The heating oil tanks in the basement leaked into the water, causing the school to be classified as a hazardous zone.

PS207's classrooms have been relocated twice, first to Long Island City and then to Brooklyn, until repairs can be made.

Arboga Elementary Principal Eric Preston said Arboga fourth-grade teachers Nicole Robertson and Rebecca Buist generated the penny drive idea both as a way to help others in need and to rally school spirit.