In the final meeting of the school year, the student council at Stony Brook Elementary School gathered for one last time—a celebration of their accomplishments, a welcome to next year’s leaders, and a heartfelt reflection on what it means to serve others.
“You’ve been excellent role models,” teacher Sarah Marion told the fifth graders, “As you head to middle school, we hope you carry that same urge to help others. It all starts with you.”
At the center of their conversation—and their pride—was the school’s enduring partnership with Millhill Child and Family Development, a Trenton-based nonprofit that empowers children and families through educational and behavioral health services. For nearly a decade, Stony Brook students have supported and partnered with Millhill’s students through twice-yearly visits, bringing not only donated items but genuine connections and a chance to be together as kids.
Each spring, Stony Brook students prepare and deliver cheerful care packages—coloring books, socks, crayons—designed to brighten a young child’s day. To date, the students have packed and delivered more than 800 spring bags. And then around Thanksgiving, they organize food drives that have fed more than 500 families.
“Just to see the look on their faces,” said fifth grader Evelina Enroth. “They were so excited. It was so fun to see how they reacted to us (being there.)” Her classmate Rachel Arnaud agreed. “Some faces we had already seen before, and they were just so happy. They knew we came because we wanted to—it just makes your day better to help.”
That sense of peer connection is no accident. “We thrive on peer-to-peer education,” said Jigna Rao, CEO of Millhill. “Our partnership with Stony Brook Elementary is a shining example of this. Their commitment to giving back is inspiring.”
Founded in 1971, Millhill has grown from a childcare center into a community institution, offering programs that range from early education to mental health counseling and family support services. Its mission is to empower and uplift, ensuring each child and family receives the tools they need to thrive. Inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with partners like Stony Brook are core to that mission.
At Stony Brook, the spirit of service extends well beyond their Millhill visits. Student council members lead schoolwide initiatives like Spirit Days, food drives, and donation campaigns. One project supported EASEL Animal Rescue, where students collected blankets and supplies for adoptable pets. Another project sent recycled crayons and hand-colored drawings to a local rehabilitation center.
“I liked doing the crayons and cards project,” said fourth grader Megha Nagasubramanian. “Maybe someone who doesn’t have grandchildren got a card from us, and it made them feel good.”
“We delivered them ourselves,” said teacher Nancy King. “And the residents were just so excited to have something cheerful and handmade to hang in their rooms.”
The meeting wrapped with snacks, smiles, and encouragement for the fourth graders poised to take over next year. “You already know what student council looks like,” Marion told them. “Now you get to become the role models.”
For now, the students were content to soak in the moment—and the knowledge that their kindness had rippled far beyond their own hallways.
“It just feels good,” said fourth grader Jackson Livecchi, summing up what seemed to be the shared sentiment. “We’re helping, and it matters.”
