Neighbors helping neighbors

By Newsday StaffJanuary 12, 2021

How are you helping or being helped in your community? Newsday is highlighting Long Islanders doing acts of kindness, locally and beyond, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Share your story with us by emailing rachel.weiss@newsday.com.

Oyster Bay teen donates hundreds of sanitation kits to LI homeless

Though the first batch of kits was done largely using samples provided by his father, James Bodian, 16, said the items in subsequent kits were bought with money he raised doing odds and ends.

These nurses use crocheted hearts to connect patients with loved ones

The Connected Hearts program at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore connects patients and their loved ones with crocheted hearts, made by volunteers across Long Island.

Kids rebound from COVID lockdown in parent-run hoops league

For coach Josh Liebman, playing basketball has become a "morning ritual" every Saturday with his 7-year-old daughter.

Teen creates art kits for mental health center

Art helped 17-year-old Gwen Jones get through the pandemic. Now, she's offering the same chance for children at the North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center in Roslyn Heights.

17-year-old author collects nearly 1,300 books for a cause

The organization Hindi's Libraries gives "new life" to used children's books, its co-founder says.

LIer makes mask chains, feeds the hungry from 9/11 until now

"I was flipping burgers and serving first responders food, down by the World Trade Center," said Linda Goldstein, of North Bellmore. Now, she's fundraising for the Mary Brennan INN by making mask chains.

Kosher food pantry at synagogue serves people of all faiths

"People come from all over," said Iris Astrof. She's been running the food pantry since 1998.

LI girl, 8, shares birthday love with Babylon Animal Shelter

"I didn't think I really needed toys and the animals needed more love and shelter, food and toys than I need," said Arianna La Rosa.

This LI 3rd grader shaped Bernie Sanders out of clay, raising $3,000-plus for charity

Julianna saw the mitten photo go viral, so she made a miniature clay figure of it for herself, but initially balked at her mom's suggestion to sell him, telling her, "I'm never going to sell him. He's just a cute little man."

51 weeks of cookies: LI baker gives back to hospital staff

The 27-year-old baker changes the flavors every week so the staff never knows what kind of treats they'll get.

LI kids, teens help children in shelters have happy birthdays

"I was interested in doing this because growing up, I was able to have a lot of birthday parties," said 17-year-old Michelle Yiu. "I just wanted to give these children the opportunity to have one, as well."

A year of kindness: Looking back at Long Island's good deeds

One Sharing Table became 46. COVID testing guidance became vaccination awareness. And soon, a mother and daughter will be reunited under loosened nursing home visitation restrictions.

Therapy dog resumes hospital visits for first time since last March

"Sometimes people are very troubled; their loved ones aren't feeling well," said handler Gary Zelner. "She brings a smile to their face and brings them out of their worries."

Teens vow 'to serve those who serve us' with veterans organization

They collected donations of DVDs, blankets and more. "We got every single item on that wish list," said 17-year-old Sam Chon.

Girl Scouts help hospital workers, homeless youth with cookie sales

"It's very exciting to see a group of girls to be so excited about giving back," said Troop 642 leader Marit Molin.

Teens raise money and awareness with lawn signs

The teens have traveled all over Long Island to install them in people's yards, from Rockville Centre to Westhampton. Of course, that can be challenging in wintry weather.

LI 16-year-olds raise nearly $5,000 to help struggling businesses

Two Long Island high school students, aiming to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 shutdown, raised the money on separate GoFundMe pages.

Inspired by 'Extreme Couponing,' 12-year-old buys diapers for a cause

Sometimes Gavin Connell's purchases would crash the self-checkout machine at CVS. He donated about 400 packages of diapers to a local church ministry.

Pay it forward with a Post-it at this 'coffee joint'

Customers use the Post-its to write words of encouragement and hope before sticking them to the board. Then, they can be used to redeem a free coffee.

Teen gets protective gear to frontline workers

Oyster Bay teen Sabrina Guo started LILAC, a nonprofit that has raised more than $100,000 and donated 170,000 pieces of PPE to local facilities including hospitals.

Chef whips up 'amazing' Christmas dinner for LI family, free of charge

Julia LaRosa nominated her grandmother to receive the free dinner. "Growing up, I could show up with four other friends and she'd immediately put a pot of macaroni on the stove," the granddaughter said. "So for her to have a personal chef so she gets to relax for the holidays, how cool would that be?"

After losing husband to COVID, animal lover keeps pet pantry going

"My husband always said, 'Paw It Forward is my baby,' " said Danielle Scala-Nathan. "He was always helping physically when he could, and always had my back on it."

Long Islanders deliver 'hugs and kisses' to nursing home for holidays

"I felt happy that I was doing this because a lot of people in nursing homes don't have many people to spend the holidays with," said 13-year-old Emma Azzaretto.

Breast cancer survivor starts clothing bank

The special shirts Loraine Alderman needed to accommodate her post-surgical body were only available online. So she and her husband founded Dress for Recovery, a clothing bank connected with the "Circle of Hope" wig bank at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Merrick.

A mission to bring joy to kids with cancer

An Amityville-based nonprofit charitable organization called KIDS NEED MoRE is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families coping with cancer and serious illness.

The Sharing Table in Seaford: 'Take what you need, leave what you can'

Weather permitting, Mary Kate Tischler sets up the Sharing Table every day. It'll continue through Christmas, although her sister-in-law is already hoping for a summer comeback.

LI teen makes toy drive her mission after 'scary' hospital visit

An unexpected allergic reaction on Christmas night 2009 resulted in a stop at a Long Island Hospital for then 4-year-old Emily Meyer.

A (virtual) party for people with disabilities will continue post-pandemic

It started with about five participants. At its peak, there were 50. Friends Chat welcomes people of all abilities to paint, dance and laugh almost every night on Zoom.

See how this LI boy can play a saxophone while wearing a mask

Thanks to mask maker Debbie Parker, musicians like Justin DeRosalia, 12, can play their instruments or sing together safely — without having to remove their masks.

LI artist transforms pandemic sadness into smiles

"They could see my happiness come out in the paintings, which is my whole goal, to make people smile," said Jennifer Okubo.

Instead of trick-or-treating, LI girls donate to charities

Volunteers will be knocking on doors to deliver candy to children in Central Islip and Brentwood. Meanwhile, fifth-graders in East Meadow will skip trick-or-treating to raise money for different causes.

Girl Scout honors LI hospital workers — including her mom

Sara Lombardi, 16, began a grassroots campaign that raised more than $1,000 to fund the garden at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, where her mother is a physician assistant.

Nonprofit founder gives away Halloween costumes

"How does it make your heart feel when you help people?" Cassy Caputo asked her son, Keith Caputo, a founder of Helping Makes U Happy. He replied, "Fantastic, happy, joyful. My heart goes 'kaboom, kaboom.' "

LI boy runs sock drive, donates his sneakers to aid homeless

Jackson Southerland, 13, collected 500 pairs of socks last Christmas for the homeless. This year, he has a new goal amount in mind.

LI teen’s bat mitzvah project aims to ‘stop the stigma’ surrounding mental health

For her bat mitzvah project, Sadie Feingold held an exercise class at her synagogue to promote teen mental health and to benefit the North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center in Roslyn Heights. Her efforts raised nearly $2,000.

Pandemic and holiday season throw LI nonprofit into 'overdrive'

Their goal is to provide a turkey to every family that reaches out to them for the Thanksgiving drive, said the organization's vice president.

Music therapy on Zoom gives this LI boy with autism reasons to sing

The music therapist said she doesn't know if she would have been able to make as much progress with her 11-year-old student in person. Their relationship flourished during the Zoom sessions, she said.

LI boy with hemophilia couldn't play soccer during pandemic. His coaches found a way.

"To me, I think it's an amazing, selfless act," said Bernadette Camberdella. "These parents don't have these things to think about for their own child. They don't have to consider Sean, but they have from the very beginning."

200 families fed with $10 food baskets, thanks to mom and son

Louis Moran worked virtually with his mom — who has been in El Salvador during the pandemic — on a food distribution effort for her hometown of Suchitoto.

6-year-old LI boy's birthday wish: To protect and serve

A video moment of Jace McKenzie flinging himself into the arms of Southold police officer Michael Sirico has gone viral.

'Our religion tells us to go out and do something'

Jasleen Sabharwal mobilized a team of other Sikh women, which she calls Volunteers Without Walls, to collect donations for Glen Cove families in need.

Mother honors late daughter, a teacher, with school supply drive

"If kids are going to be in school and learning virtually, they'll basically need two sets of supplies. And I'm happy to help with that."

Special-needs students create 'Picasso masks' and more in Huntington Station

"The thing with clay is if you make a mistake, you can always fix it," said art teacher Gina Mars, who teaches special-needs students at Spirit of Huntington.

LI bus driver swaps keys for sewing machine in COVID-19 fight

Manna Cali started with hundreds of masks before her employer made a request for protective gowns for staff at Jefferson Ferry's nursing facility, the Vincent Bove Health Center in Centereach.

Want to hear a Springsteen song at 1 a.m.? These musicians got you covered

The musicians sometimes play in the Huntington living room, transformed into a performance space, for five hours straight.

'Angels' deliver food to LI communities hit hard by COVID-19

Under the umbrella of Empowering Young Professionals of Long Island, a networking and mentoring group aimed at minority youth, crews made weekly deliveries of fresh produce, beans, rice and more to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suffolk police surprise Bay Shore girl with drive-by parade

Liliana DiMaio, 5 of Bay Shore, loves anything related to the police and loves dressing up in a cop costume.

LI teens make masks, build network during pandemic

Some teens are making masks and raising money for the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, others are starting a network of youth leaders.

Surprise gifts of free meals, coffee bring tears, cheers

Bagels, coffee and a side of generosity were served at Bagel Boss in Bay Shore.

Shutterfly surprises LI kids with billboard of their art for essential workers

"He got so excited," said April Yeomans, whose son's artwork appeared on a Manhattan billboard. "He was jumping up and down."

LI siblings collect 8,000 pounds of donated food from driveway

Since March 27 the Garvey siblings' Babylon Village home has become the place to drop off food donations. As of Friday they've collected 8,000 pounds of donated food.

Black and Latino educators team up for 'emotional' deliveries

The Long Island Latino Teachers Association has been providing tablets and Chromebooks to children in low-resource communities.

Free child care program helps essential workers

"We gave them an activity to draw what they look like without their mask," said program coordinator Rhonda Nedderman.

LI siblings create 'happy packs' for elderly, inspired by grandma

The siblings, age 16, 13 and 9, have made more than 50 care packages for a nursing home in Oceanside.

LI kid uses birthday to raise money for COVID-19 survivor

Mateo Solis raised more than $1,000 for the family of a 3-year-old who contracted coronavirus and recovered.

7-year-old piano prodigy cheers up COVID-19 frontliners

Her repertoire contains everything from compositions by Beethoven and Bach to tunes made famous by Michael Jackson and Disney.

Inspired by family history, LI native helps Holocaust survivors

"If my family could go through something so difficult, what reason do I have to complain about the small things that happen in everyday life?” said Evan Rosenberg, who founded 333 Charity and is helping Holocaust survivors amid the pandemic.

Home run! LI brothers auction baseball card collection for COVID-19 relief

William and Alexander Manolarakis have raised more than $3,600 from selling part of the 10,000-card collection.

Caring custodian gets 80th birthday he'll 'never forget'

Elbert Wilder has been checking in on his co-workers since the pandemic began, making sure to call them every day.

LI cheer squad raises more than $20,000 for front-line workers

The squad used the money to send meals to hospital and emergency workers.

Kids cheer up LI senior grads — and senior citizens

The two sisters agreed that they will continue making bracelets “until this is over.”

She spent almost half her life saving up, then gave it all away to help

Desiree Mohammodi, 7, had saved up $52.65 in her piggy bank. Worried about health care workers during the pandemic, she sent it to Northwell Health instead.

LI Christmas show artists light up neighbors' lives with hope

The brothers built an 8-by-16-foot arch with 1,200 LED lights that create rainbow and sunrise effects while also displaying messages of hope.

LI middle schoolers write letters, encourage social distance

"I just really wanted people to feel better and to know that they're not alone in the hospital and we're right there next to them, even though we're not there in person," said one fifth-grader.

For LI vets, no man left behind during pandemic

From Coffee with a Veteran gatherings on Zoom to a pen pal project, Long Islanders are doing their part to keep community ties strong despite social isolation.

Small change, big difference: Teen raises thousands in coins for needy

While hanging around his home in Dix Hills and finishing up his first year of high school online, Nomaan "Nomi" Bilal started collecting loose change he found. Then, he got an idea.

Sporty sibling duo high-fives front line with food donations

Gabby and Luke Postiglione have raised money to provide meals for 615 healthcare workers across four area hospitals.

'Latina Moms' lend their voices at Wyandanch testing site

"To be able to connect with someone who speaks your language, it's invaluable," said Dorothy Santana, founder of Latina Moms Connect.

Visiting nurse wins key to hearts of LI colleagues, community

Nurse Amber Rock, of Iowa, drove 1,200 miles to Plainview Hospital to help during the pandemic. Her colleagues returned the favor by replacing her lost $600 car keys.

Mom and daughter, missing each other, get the lift they need

Eve Miceli had been unable to visit her mother, who lives on the second floor of a St. James health care center. But her husband had an idea — and a friend with a bucket truck.

Over 300 Nassau restaurants get cooking for NUMC staff

The meals have been donated so that all hospital departments and shifts are covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Quilts and robots give way to masks as LIers use skills to help fight virus

"Everybody can do something," said one mask-maker. "If you can't sew, cut. If you can't cut, look for elastic."

Animal lover's vow to cats, dogs: 'Nobody starves on Long Island'

LIRR machinist Gary Kaufman has been helping stray dogs and cats for as long as he can remember. Now, his mission is to make sure "nobody starves on Long Island."

LIer Randy Jackson keeps party rockin' on Facebook

Rocker Randy Jackson, frontman for Zebra, performs daily virtual concerts on Facebook Live.

LIers make headbands for doctors to ease pain from masks

Two Long Islanders are among many making headbands to combat the irritation caused to doctors and nurses from wearing masks all day.

Third-graders pay it forward to teachers, hospital employees

"Because of the whole thing that's going on, I feel like messages will make people feel happier," said 8-year-old Lily Ercegovic.

West Babylon teen cuts no corners, just lawns (for free)

Michael Lindner didn't expect anyone to take him up on his offer to mow the grass for health care workers, but they did. He said he may help others.

LI teen 'savant' finds voice as driveway DJ

Harrison Dearstyne is on the autism spectrum. His mother says he uses music as a way to connect with people.

LI library reaches out to patrons, just to say hello

"A lot of times they just want to talk to somebody," said the director of The Bryant Library in Roslyn, which started calling anyone who frequented the library within the past 60 days.

Photographer captures more than 100 families during pandemic

The families are asked to pay it forward by doing something kind for those in need.

LI teen gives her phone to grandmother and teaches her FaceTime

"We were teasing that she'll probably have her own TikTok account by the time this is all done with," Jennifer Rahner said.

LI health worker donates $10,000 for equipment

Shari Hymes is a 37-year career veteran from Southold who works at two Long Island hospitals.

From wiseguy to nice guy: 'Sopranos' actor donates food to LI hospital workers

East Rockaway actor Joseph Gannascoli, who portrayed mobster Vito Spatafore, is helping deliver meals during the coronavirus pandemic.

LIers keep kids hopping with Easter egg hunts and more

Jennie Reilly heard some children thought the Easter bunny had gotten the coronavirus and would be unable to deliver treats this year.

LI artist hosts 'drive-by museum' on front lawn

"As an artist I always go to my art to heal. This time I went to my art to inspire," said Helen Murdock-Prep.

LI mom, daughter put their art into thanking essential workers

With a box of chalk and a message in mind, this mother-daughter duo used their Islip fence as a canvas to honor workers including nurses and doctors.

LI teachers lip sync to Bruno Mars for students in video

"Hopefully it got a few laughs out of them," said music teacher Amanda Fortgang.

LI halal group's call for rice donations answered

"Our doors are open for any color, race and religion," said the regional director of Islamic Circle North America Relief.

Bedtime stories go virtual on Long Island

Parents are taking turns reading books to children on Facebook Live.

LI business owners share trove of masks in coronavirus fight

Some mobilized social media networks to collect donations of N95 masks for first responders and health care workers.

LI family cooks up food drive to aid needy

The Watson family of Bayville holds a Community Food Drive to help seniors and families in need.

To spread positivity, LIers decorate homes with rainbows

Long Islanders are searching for rainbows around their neighborhoods.

Great catch! LI fishermen donate fish to feed hungry

Montauk fishermen gave away more than 1,000 pounds of freshly caught fish to seniors and families in need.

A socially-distant birthday celebration to remember

"They're honking, they had silly string, streamers, balloons," said one of the moms. "I was hysterical crying."

Boogie Bear brings neighbors out for dance battles

"Everyone stands in front of their [own] homes clapping and waving," said Janet Clifford, also known as Boogie Bear. "I'm planning on going to as many houses as I can each day."

Virtual concert for LI seniors hits high note

Singer/songwriter JD Leonard says his concert was 'a way for us to spend time together and let you know that you are on our minds and in our hearts.'

'Made You Smile' operation urges LI kids to send virtual drawings to senior centers

'I'd like to see this put a smile on their faces,' said East Hills Mayor Michael R. Koblenz.

LI native offers music therapy sessions on Instagram

"It's about making a meaningful connection within the session," Goodman said. "If the session is 30 minutes, it could be an eye glance, sustained eye contact, or saying a word for the first time."

LI sisters send cards of sunshine and flowers to the elderly

"They wrote things like, 'I'm sorry you can't have visitors but I hope this card turns your frown upside-down,' " their mother said.

LI pantry, community deliver for quarantined residents

"This is our home. And when you have people in your home, you try to show them love,'' says Penelope Rudder, who runs the Little Free Pantry in Greenport on the North Fork.