Huntington community helps a helper

Lorraine Boccio, a Huntington Station supermarket worker who has spent nearly 10 years organizing benefits and charity drives for others, never thought she'd need a benefit for herself.

But when Boccio, 58, was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer just before Thanksgiving last year, a group of co-workers and friends took on the job.

Sunday, several hundred firefighters, co-workers, friends and family members rubbed shoulders at Finley's in Huntington, where organizers raised $11,300 and counting for Boccio's medical bills.

"She has done so much for the community," said co-worker Jen Corcoran. "Anytime anyone is in need of something, Lorraine said, 'Let's collect.' "

Corcoran and a group of seven others have been meeting every Tuesday night since Boccio's diagnosis, planning the benefit. They only told her about the plans last week.

"They knew I wouldn't like it," Boccio said, laughing as she held a plate of meatballs and pasta in a hallway at the bar.

Due to her illness, Boccio has had to leave her job in customer service at the Waldbaum's on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station, and has had to stop the toy drives, Easter basket donations to overseas troops, and other fundraisers that she normally did every year.

"I was crying before I even walked inside," Boccio said Sunday. "I'm overwhelmed. I'm used to being on the other side."

Boccio, who has worked at Waldbaum's for 20 years, said she started her charitable works after Sept. 11, 2001. Shortly after the terrorist attacks, she searched for all the Huntington families who lost a loved one in the Twin Towers, then raised money to buy Christmas presents for the children of the families.

"That was the most rewarding Christmas I ever had," Boccio said.

Organizers don't have an estimate so far as to how much Sunday's event ultimately will raise for Boccio, who has already undergone an extensive surgery and is slated to begin a daily regimen of chemotherapy and radiation next month.

Corcoran said the benefit attracted several politicians, including Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, and members of the Huntington Manor Fire Department, one of Boccio's causes.

"She's a great person," said Dave Crocco, 32, a member of the department who spent the afternoon at the benefit. "Even while she's feeling sick, she's still looking for addresses to send baskets to troops. She's amazing."