Lupinacci Salutes Whitman Students For Successful Veterans Drive

Assemblyman Lupinacci with Leadership class students and American Legion Post 1244 leaders March 4 at Walt Whitman High School in support of Operation Enduring Care.
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Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I – South Huntington) returned to his alma mater on March 4 to congratulate Walt Whitman High School Leadership class students for their successful veterans supply drive. During the three-week drive, students gathered hundreds of donations in support of Greenlawn American Legion Post 1244’s Operation Enduring Care.

“Supporting our nation’s heroes is not only the right thing to do, it is the duty of every American citizen,” Lupinacci said. “I am proud to support Operation Enduring Care, and I am thrilled that local school districts are joining this noble effort.”

Operation Enduring Care is organized by Greenlawn Fire Department firefighter, U.S. Army veteran and Post member Al Statton, who gathers supplies for veterans and families in need at the United Veterans Beacon House at the Northport VA Medical Center. The drive, for which Lupinacci’s district office is a drop-off location, is ongoing.

Statton along with Post Sergeant-At-Arms Charlie Armstrong, Post Adjutant Ed O’Shea and Post member Carlo Giordano – Walt Whitman High School’s senior custodian – thanked the students and Leadership instructors Ann-Elizabeth Kenney and Ralph Milazzo for their generosity and hard work.

Donations of personal hygiene items, such as antiperspirants/deodorants; shaving cream; shampoo and conditioner; alcohol-free mouthwash; razors; body wash, bar soap, shower shoes and flip-flops remain in high demand. Clothing and underwear for men and women as well as non-perishable food items, including coffee (ground or whole bean); canned proteins (tuna, chicken, roast beef, etc.); peanut butter; jelly; soups; macaroni and cheese; individually wrapped snacks; canned fruits; rice, pasta and/or boxed potatoes are also gratefully accepted. Gift cards for supermarkets and other establishments where food can be purchased are also welcomed.

Contributions can be dropped off at Lupinacci’s district office, 630 New York Avenue, suite D, Huntington, NY or the Greenlawn Fire Department, 23 Boulevard Avenue, Greenlawn, NY after a call to Statton at 631-835-3851. For more information, call Statton, Lupinacci’s district office at 631-271-8025 or Post 1244 Past Commander Bob Santo at 516-458-7881.

“Today, these students took a giant step toward aiding the men and women who have fought for our liberty, justice and freedom when they are most in need,” Lupinacci said. “I’m proud to support their efforts and commend everyone in our community who donated so far.”