'Free Store' in Islandia protests holiday commercialism

A group protesting increased commercialism around the holidays gave away sweaters, cooking utensils, books and stuffed toys Friday at a "Free Store" in Islandia.

A dozen people set up a table and put down three blankets to display donated merchandise along Sycamore Lane, near Veterans Memorial Highway, at 10:30 a.m. The demonstration was in front of a Walmart and across from a Walgreens.

The protesters held signs that read, "Spend Less, Work Less, Live More."

Louis Mazzei, an event organizer from the group Occupy Long Island, said, "We all have too much stuff. It's beneficial to you and society to give some of it away . . . This is about people helping people," said the heating and air conditioning technician from Astoria.

Mazzei, 44, originally from Patchogue, said the protest was in its fourth year. It began outside the Walmart in Centereach to raise awareness about the retail behemoth's employment practices.

Since Walmart increased wages for more than 100,000 employees in July and some of them are trying to join a union, he said the group has shifted its focus to fighting commercialism and poverty.

"This is basically a free yard sale," Mazzei said. "Anybody can do this in their neighborhood and we encourage them to do so."

A steady stream of people checked out the donated goods and most seemed to take away at least one item. They said they happened upon the 4 1/2-hour demonstration as they approached the entrance to Walmart. Most said they also planned to visit the discounter.

Nerita Canela, 51, a homemaker from Brentwood, called the demonstration "fabulous . . . I'm going to give these things to my family in the Dominican Republic." She held up a puffy Rocawear black vest, a pair of shoes, jeans and a hat.

Alyssa McNeill, 18, looked over the goods with her sisters, Amanda, 9, and Alivia, 7, and their 3-year-old cousin, L.J. Hewlett, from Washington, D.C.

"This is wonderful . . . It really shows that people have your back," said McNeill, of Islandia.

She held two bags filled with a toy game, jogging clothes, a hat and sweaters. "What we don't use, I will bring to church so someone else can be helped," said the high school senior who plans to become a nursing assistant.

The protesters urged passing motorists, in English and Spanish, to check out the free merchandise.

"This is about people helping people," said protester Mohammed Siagha, a hotel worker from Central Islip. "I can't believe the reaction of the people who need things. They take stuff and then come back and donate stuff. It's inspiring," said Siagha, 50, who held a sign that read, "Kindness Needs No Church or State."

CORRECTION: Due to an editing error, an earlier version of this story online misstated the day of the protest.