Spring is an important time for the Manhasset Student Aid Association (MSAA). This organization, which has existed upwards of 40 years, awards grants and interest free loans to the neediest Manhasset student. MSAA is a very quiet charity, keeping the confidentiality of its recipients as its most important principle.

In March, MSAA approaches the Manhasset community with an appeal letter for direct donations. The generosity of this neighborhood has kept MSAA active for its entire history, and this year that generosity is needed more than ever. The students of our town, in order to achieve higher education, have overburdened themselves with bank and government loans. Therefore, MSAA established a new grants program awarding money to students who could not afford to bear further debt. The organization now assists over 20 students, and expects many more applications from this year's graduating seniors. Please respond generously to the annual appeal letter that will be delivered to your mailbox this week. Donations are gratefully accepted any time of year and should be addressed to: MSAA, PO BOX 255, Manhasset, NY 11030.

In addition to fund raising, MSAA must reach students in need before those first college payments are due. Therefore, each spring every household of a graduating high school senior residing in Manhasset receives an application for a grant or loan. All Manhasset school district residents (regardless of which high school they attend) are eligible for MSAA support of their post-high school education. Families with financial difficulties are encouraged to watch for this mailing at the beginning of May, or to go to the MSAA website at msaainc.org and download the application. Students should also consider approaching the guidance department of their schools for further information.