Cosgrove students and stepsisters Elyse Hoffer (l) and Jenna Goehle with a box of pencils and other school supplies now on its way to Afghanistan. "My daddy wrote me an email saying he is so proud of us," says Elyse. The two coordinated a pencil drive for Afghan children.

Cosgrove students send
thousands of pencils
to Afghanistan

Cosgrove Middle School students in Spencerport have sent more than 11,000 pencils - plus some other schools supplies - to children in Afghanistan in an effort organized by two seventh-grade students.

Elyse Hoffer and Jenna Goehle, who are stepsisters, were motivated by email messages and photos from Elyse's dad, Seth Hoffer, who is stationed in Afghanistan. "The important thing for the community, and especially the children, to understand," writes Hoffer, "is that we are not at war with Afghan families." He adds, "We are helping to rebuild schools that were destroyed during several wars and trying to bring a little hope to the children."

"I feel like I'm making a difference in the world," says Jenna. Elyse agrees, saying, "This is helping kids from other places." Middle school counselor Ilonka Tumelaire helped the girls coordinate the collection.

Several area businesses also helped with donations: Spencerport Village IGA; Tops on Ridge Road; Wegmans on Lyell Avenue; Perry's Ice Cream; and Gary Honeyford (Niagara Chocolates).