West Islip High School's Dose of Hope Club, founded by junior Leighann McDermott and advised by school counselor Allie Ragin, is dedicated to spreading positivity and kindness beyond the classroom.
On Dec. 18, the club, along with five student officers, visited the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Commack to donate 100 gift bags filled with cheer and comfort. These thoughtful bags contained fuzzy socks to keep recipients warm and cozy, an assortment of candies to bring smiles, handmade cards that conveyed heartfelt messages of hope, and more positive items and resources to help patients feel appreciated and loved during the holiday season and into the new year. 
The creation of these gift bags was made possible through a bag-making event organized by McDermott on Dec. 16, when more than 30 students came together to craft personalized cards and assemble the gift bags, demonstrating the power of community and compassion. The club’s ongoing efforts showcase how small acts of kindness can make a significant impact, inspiring hope and joy in those who need it most. In just two months, the Dose of Hope Club has raised more than $500 through bake sales and various events, further enabling them to make a positive difference in their community and beyond.