As Superstorm Sandy left thousands across Long Island longing for every day resources, officials at Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church stepped up to the plate.
According to deacon Luke Bendetto, the church teamed up with Pixie Nursery School, Wantagh PTA groups and Boy's Scout Troop 96 to collect various donations for residents in need.
"We knew we had to do something to help," said Benedetto, a Wantagh resident. "It started very local with parents with kids at the nursery school, but the word started getting out. We've had people come from all over dropping off and distributing items."
Benedetto said he was impresed with the community's will to donate to others in the wake of such a tragedy.
"We come to find a lot of people who are in bad shape but are willing to still step up and help out those who are worse off," he explained.
"Communications were horrific and outside of the sign oun our church lawn, there was really no way to let people know," Benedetto added. "Parents from the Wantagh PTA took time going door to door for us. It's been a great joint effort."
Donations have varied from clothing, food, school supplies and household items, but Benedetto said cleaning supplies are vital right now.
"We've been sending supplies to the south shore communities, but it's not just for here. We're trying to help anyone who needs it."
Fellow Wantagh resident Sharyn O'Mara has participated in the drive since the start and said she is proud to be part of such a positive movement..
"I happened to come in with some school supplies to donate and I just decided to stay and help out," she said. "This devastation hit Wantagh so severely and these are our neighbors, friends, the families of our children's friends. In Wantagh, we are all connected and this has effected everyone."
