Local Swimmers "Pool" Money for the Red Cross

Eight swim teams from the Town of Hempstead, who usually compete against each other, came together for a Swim-A-Cross on Aug. 9 and “pooled” $6,900 in support of the Long Island Red Cross.

The Long Island Red Cross provides food, clothing and shelter to hundreds of Long Islanders after local disasters, including flooding, house fires and building collapses. Among the many young swimmers that took part in the charity event held at Newbirdge Pool in Bellmore were members of Wantagh’s Forest City Flyers swim team.

“A lot of people see the big disasters across the country, but they don’t realize there are hundreds of smaller ones every year,” said Sam Kille, director of public relations for the Long Island Red Cross.

Now in its sixth year, the Town of Hempstead Swim-A-Cross has raised more than $50,000 to help with local disaster relief. Swimmers, ages 6-17, collect donations from family and friends in return for participating in the event.

“It’s a lot of fun interacting with the other teams instead of just racing against them,” said Emily Jannace, 15, a six-year member of Wantagh’s Forest City swim team. “It’s also nice being with all different age groups.”

“My favorite part is having fun and swimming with my friends,” said Samantha McNamara, 13, a three-year member of the Forest City swim team.

After a morning of stretching, aerobics and swimming, the pledges were tallied and trophies were awarded to the three teams that raised the most money.

First place champion, raising $1,478, was Newbridge of Bellmore. Second place went to Rath of Franklin Square, who raised $1, 374. Echo of West Hempstead came in third, raising $1,271.

Other participating teams were Averill of Elmont, Malibu of Lido Beach, Veterans of East Meadow, and Oceanside.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray thanked the children for their efforts, saying, “Not only are you swimming and exercising but you are raising money for people who really need it.”

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