W. Babylon Middle Schooler Seeking Help from Midwest Patch Readers

A West Babylon Junior High School student is collecting gift cards for families devastated by Hurricane Sandy – and tapping into the Midwest Patch sites for help.

West Babylon eight grade student Kevin Leeb is currently working on his community service project for National Junior Honor Society. Kevin wanted to reach out and help those hurt by the storm, but he knew he needed help from further away.

"My idea is to collect as many $10 gift cards as possible to help my friends and their families," said Kevin. "So many people in my community have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Many have lost homes, cars, furniture, clothing, games, bikes and so much more."

Leeb's connection to the Midwest, and specifically the Grayslake Patch in Illinois, is a bit complicated – he's a friend's sister's co-worker's son of the editor there. (Just a bit complex!)

"I am looking to the Midwest because the East Coast was hit hard," Leeb told Grayslake Patch.

Kevin is hoping to collect gift cards of smaller value amounts in order to assist more people. Gas cards, American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Sears, Home Depot, or Lowes gift cards are some he thinks would help the community.

Crystal Lake resident Tricia Nasta said her sister, Alice Peters, informed her the West Babylon Junior High School has officially approved Kevin's project to guarantee its validity. Peters, who lost power at her home for 12 days after the storm, works with Kevin's mother, Margaret Leeb, at the West Babylon Senior High School. (By now, you can probably see how we are all connected!).

"You have to give credit to an 8th grader who wants to help others," Nasta said.

Anyone wanting to help Kevin reach his goal of collecting 100 cards can send $10 gift cards to the address of the West Babylon Senior High School:

Kevin Leeb

Att: Hurricane Sandy Project

500 Great East Neck Road

West Babylon,  NY  11704