The community-wide Veterans Toiletry Drive concluded with a hand-off event at Memorial Junior High School, bringing together the many partners who contributed to this year’s expanded effort.
Now in its second year, the initiative again united the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, village officials, schools and area businesses in collecting essential personal-care items for veterans served through the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790.
“Your generosity has once again shown what makes Valley Stream so special — a community that not only cares, but acts,” chamber board member Lauri LoQuercio said at the Nov. 21 hand-off. “Because of your kindness, we were able to collect an incredible amount of toiletries for those who have given so much: our veterans.”
The drive continued the work first undertaken when the chamber identified a growing need among local veterans for basic hygiene items. Village departments assisted throughout the collection period, maintaining donation sites at Village Hall, the pool and the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, and coordinating the transport of items to the sorting site. Business participation also increased, with several chamber members helping promote the effort and providing collection space.
Students from the Valley Stream Central School District’s Youth Leadership Club (ASPIRA chapter), advised by Memorial Counselor Laura Mesa, played a central role in the drive. They led the sorting of donations at Memorial, building on the foundation established by the Memorial/Central Leadership Club during the first year.
“It is our obligation as Americans to serve the people who serve us, the brave men and women who gave and endured so much for the freedoms we enjoy daily,” junior at Central High School and member of the Youth Leadership Club, Umair Zafar, said. “This is the least we can do for them. We are all extremely grateful for all of your sacrifices and your service to our wonderful nation; may they never be forgotten. I often hear veterans and service members say the phrase, no man left behind. This event will truly leave no man behind.”
Additional school groups, including the Student Council and the Medical Assistance program, contributed to this year’s work, supported by school staff who helped coordinate the growing effort. Memorial provided space for sorting and storage, while counselors and teachers helped facilitate student participation.
Elementary students at Wheeler Avenue and William L. Buck Schools also took part, collecting toiletries and preparing messages for veterans, along with decorated boxes used for transporting donations.
The hand-off event brought together representatives from the chamber, village departments, students, school officials, and veterans, including George Catalanotto, John Scalesi, Jim Brown, Vito Verga, and George Schuchman. Their presence emphasized the purpose of the drive and the importance of ensuring that collected items reach veterans both at Stand Down events and at residences and care facilities throughout the region.
Organizers noted that the initiative continues to grow due to sustained community support and expanding partnerships, with the intention of maintaining the drive as an annual effort. They emphasized that the donations will assist veterans by supplying essential items and supporting services aimed at meeting ongoing needs.