Kait's Angels Yard Sale Planned To Help 2 Local Neighbors In Need

MATTITUCK, NY — Once again, the North Fork community is opening its hearts to help friends and neighbors in need.

The annual Kait's Angels Community Yard Sale is planned for Saturday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the home of Joe and Darla Doorhy, located at 1125 Old Jule Lane in Mattituck. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit two local community members facing health challenges — Tor Torkelsen of Southold, and John Tardif of Cutchogue.

Joe and Darla Doorhy lost their daughter Kaitlyn on Aug. 22, 2014; she was hit by a car while away at college. A heavy blanket of grief cloaked the community as all struggled to grasp the loss of a young woman, a former Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen, known for her bright smile, philanthropic spirit and caring heart.

But tragedy turned to hope when Kait's Angels was formed in Kaitlyn's memory, with an eye toward acts of kindness in her memory. And now, the yearly yard sale is organized to help others during their darkest hours.

According to Darla Doorhy, Torkelsen, who has ALS, was in Norway when he needed emergency surgery for an abscess of the upper spine and brain; donations will help with medical expenses, which were not covered by insurance, she said.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to him," Doorhy said.

Tardif, she added, is a young man faced with cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and Schizencephaly, who is wheelchair-bound for life.

"Please come and support these courageous locals who are battling their diseases so bravely," Doorhy said.

Donations of gently used items are accepted. Items NOT accepted include TVs, computers, baby strollers, car seats, lawn mowers, medical equipment, large furniture, exercise equipment, or large items.

Donation drop-off takes place Friday, Sept. 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Doorhy residence at 1125 Old Jule Lane. No early bird drop-offs.

The event will feature an "all-you-can-carry" hour from noon to 1 p.m. for $20.

Volunteers needed for the event. To help or for additional information, send and email to DarlaDoorhy@optonline.net or click here.

Recently the Kait's Angels Annual Designer Handbag Wingo event was held, with proceeds to benefit community members in need.

"It's what Kaitlyn used to say, her motto was, 'Helping hands, helping others,'" Darla said. "One hand for herself and one hand for others, for helping the community."