The William Floyd United Teachers (WFUT) recently organized the second annual 1,000 coat giveaway. This event aimed to provide warmth during the colder months by distributing 1,000 coats along with Thanksgiving meals, winter hats, gloves, toys, books, ornaments, and more.
“I am overwhelmed by the contributions throughout the district and our surrounding community,” stated Mike Devenney, a William Floyd High School English teacher and WFUT union president.
The event was a collaborative effort between the school and community. All items were distributed within the first hour, highlighting its significance to the community.
Clothing donations included 1,000 winter coats from Helpsy through WFUT member Mike Lacarrubba's efforts. Teachers contributed winter coats and hand-knitted scarves and hats collected by William Paca Middle School teachers Kari Garfen and Melissa Abbatiello. East End Screen Printing donated 1,000 winter hats and gloves.
Food donations featured 150 turkeys purchased at a discounted rate from Cow Palace due to contributions from Kevin Donovan (Mutual Inc.), Katherine Martin (Cetera), Dominick Mautarelli (AFLAC), Rod Dayton/Jim Scheidel (Voya), Feldman/Kramer/Monaco, and Mitev Law firm. PJ Balzer of King’s Kids Christian Outreach in Mastic Beach donated an additional 150 turkeys. Jakki Engasser and Focus Church provided potatoes for 300 families. Thanksgiving food packages for 300 families were purchased with WFUT member monetary donations. Amy Nardi's family donated over 300 brown shopping bags for food distribution.
Book, toy, and ornament giveaways were supported by an American Federation of Teachers grant that allowed WFUT to purchase over 800 children's books. WFHS music teacher Michelle Seifert donated stuffed animals while an anonymous high school teacher contributed two bins of new children's toys. Students under Matt Van Horne and Steve Rendino crafted holiday ornaments and designed Santa’s Corner booth.
Volunteers played a crucial role in this event as talented student-musicians performed holiday classics for attendees' enjoyment. Science Honor Society students sorted Thanksgiving food packages while CTE Culinary students helped manage frozen turkey storage alongside Aramark Food Services and WFSD facilities support.
In addition to on-site distributions, four full bags of coats were donated to Billy Floyd’s closet for William Floyd students in need.
This community event was made possible through the dedication of William Floyd United Teachers alongside partners such as Helpsy; PJ Balzer; Kevin Donovan; AFT’s initiative; East End Screen Printing; Mitev Law Firm; AFLAC; Katherine Martin; Feldman/Kramer/Monaco PC.; Lenny Bruno Farms; Rod Dayton/Jim Scheidel from VOYA Financial; plus contributions from teachers custodians students at William Floyd schools.