HELPING HANDS IN WEST ISLIP INC Fall Drive

The Helping Hands in West Islip, Inc.Fall Drive was a big hit. We filled the Firehouse with beautifully decorated Wardrobe bags, huggy bears and costumes. We have had so many “GIVING EVENTS” over the last 26 years. The first collection of the new school year is always met by the Helping Hands with hopeful anticipation that folks will once again stay tuned in for what Long Island kids need. The bleak economy has brought more and more families and charities to seek our assistance. It struck me and my family this year that in some ways the drive felt like “All HOME WEEK”. I say this because each year more and more of the same families have been relying on the generosity of our program (meaning all of you), year round to “make ends meet “.Many of the families are working class as opposed to in the 1990’s when they were lower income, unemployed…. One woman reminisced on how we met the day she left a battered womans shelter when her youngest of 6 was five .We gave her a TV, Sneakers (she had flip flops on in DEC.)Toys, and clothes .Now 5 years later she is working, smiling and still depending on our generosity to “stretch” her small paycheck. We are seeing moms whom children we have aided now seeking help for their grandkids then there was the lady whom reached out to me and said “My kids are grown, my daughter is in college, you made a difference in our lives and we all want to give back and help!” Many young people who once volunteered are grown with small kids, participating in our programs; some now, in careers are collecting in their places of employ. All this to say, we had our first drive of the new 2016/17 program schedule. We never know what will come in but we come to understand everyone will have some need met. An item they thought they couldn’t afford like a Wii with the TV and Games, A large print book for a senior in a home,a desperately needed coat and more often a hug and kind word with a stuff animal … I think the best gift we share is that they of feel accepted and cared about by friends in the community. In a world that can feel dark, cold and lonely Our Helping Hands reach in and give comfort for a day, a lifetime or whatever is needed? When we do this, those giving and those receiving equally leave our Helping Hands “giving events” all smiles! We are now preparing for our Christmas Drive Dec 7 after school and Thanksgiving Drive Nov 11- 20 at WIFD 309 union in the dispatch office and at W.I.Blink Fitness, Please consider a donation on PayPal or on our face book page. I must pay for all year round out of pocket costs. www.facebook.com/HelpingHandsI... Warmly, Jennifer Gallozzi Volunteer 1990-