Town Rallies For LI Woman Deployed In Iraq: 'A True American'

NORTH FORK, NY — In true North Fork fashion, the community is coming together to show love and support to troops stationed in Iraq.

Laurie Sanders, a teacher at Oysterponds Elementary School in Orient who lives in Cutchogue, said her daughter Sydney Sanders, 26, was deployed to Iraq in August. With her daughter so far from home, Sanders, along with members of the Southold American Legion and friend Janique Nine brainstormed and decided to collect gift cards to send to her daughter's soldiers.

They brought the idea to Wendy Zuhoski, owner of Wendy's Deli in Mattituck, known as a light in the community who has devoted her life to giving back to those in need.

The collection kicked off at the deli on 9/11; all military, veterans, fire department members, EMS, first responders, healthcare workers, police, recovery workers and dispatchers received free breakfasts on 9/11, too.

Zuhoski explained that Sanders has 200 enlisted personnel in her unit. "We thought it would be nice to present each soldier with an Amazon gift card," she said. Anyone that would like to help can drop off a gift card at the deli, located at 55 Middle Road in Mattituck. People wishing to donate can also Venmo @Wendy-Zuhoski.

The community welcomed the fundraising effort with open arms, surpassing the initial goal in less than a week: "Our fundraising efforts for our soldiers has been amazing," Zuhoski said. "We have already met our first goal and are just about at our second goal. We can't thank you enough for all that have already donated. You're amazing."

She added: "When our friends talked about doing this sort of fundraising I knew it would do well because of the generosity in this community. We will continue to collect Amazon gift cards and show our soldiers just how much we appreciate each and every one of them. Remember, no one has ever become poor by giving."

Laurie Sanders, Sydney's mom, spoke with pride about her daughter: "Of course, it worries me that she’s in Iraq — but I am extremely proud that she decided to be in the Army. We need people like her to help protect us and do the right thing. She’s such a proud American."

When Sydney learned that the gift cards were being collected, she said her soldiers did not want them to buy things for themselves — but instead, to buy gifts and necessities for their families at home.

Originally, the goal was to give a $25 Amazon gift card to Sydney's 200 soldiers, but that goal was raised to $50 for each soldier as donations poured in. "We are very close to that being that but if there’s a larger support then we could give a bit more to the soldiers who are less fortunate," she said.

Sydney, Sanders said, is humble and kind — and has always had a heart for giving.

"My daughter brought her soldiers to an elementary school in El Paso, Texas for several years so that the students weren’t afraid of the military. They would help get the children out of their cars each morning and walk them to their classes."

Another time, Sanders said, Sydney wrote a letter on behalf of one of her soldiers, telling his story, and won him a brand-new car. "He had no idea that she did this for him. She’s very proud and humble and doesn’t let people know that she’s in the military," she said.

When she’s out in the field, Sydney usually has pockets full of candy for her soldiers, Sanders said. "She has a nice rapport with them."

Sydney and her husband Captain Cole DeDonato are newlyweds; they spent only two months living together in Colorado before both were deployed. But they share a deep-seated dedication to their country — and flew overseas together to serve.

Sydney's patriotism has shaped her path: On 9/11, she purchased an American flag and flew it high above her office at her Army base in Iraq; other officers did the same, Sanders said.

Friends and neighbors have been coming forward in a big way to send love to Sydney's soldiers; even those facing their own struggles and health challenges have brought gift cards.

"The community we live in is amazing," Sanders said. "I have witnessed firsthand how giving back to our community comes full circle. The people I have donated to, being a teacher out in Orient, were the first ones to give back when we put up a Giving Tree during the holidays. We teach our children here at school to focus on all the good in this world instead of the bad. We support them and teach them values so that one day they will be an asset to our community."

Her students, Sanders said, draw pictures and write letters to the military; they have beach cleanups and are involved in recycling projects.

In turn, Sanders said, Zuhoski and her staff have donated to students in need during the winter months by providing gift cards, clothing, and food.

"Wendy just jumps on any projects immediately to give back to the community. She feels she is blessed to be able to work and live where we are — and we are blessed to have her."