William Floyd High School is at it again doing good deeds for the community. The William Floyd United Teachers (WFUT) recently hosted the second annual 1,000-coat giveaway. Teachers say the coat giveaway provides a little extra warmth during the colder months.
Community service is the heart and soul of the William Floyd community. Everyone came together for a great cause, donated 1,000 coats, Thanksgiving meals, winter hats, gloves, toys, books, ornaments and more.
“I am overwhelmed by the contributions throughout the district and our surrounding community,” said Mike Devenney, William Floyd High School English teacher and WFUT union president.
It was a true collaborative partnership between the school and community and an amazing event for all involved. All of the items were distributed within the first hour demonstrating the importance of this event and the need in the community.
In addition to the thousands of items that were given away on site, an additional four full bags of coats were donated to Billy Floyd’s closet, an in-school location available for William Floyd students who may need them.
This amazing community event is made possible thanks to the dedication and generosity of the William Floyd United Teachers, and community partners, including: Helpsy; PJ Balzer of King’s Kids Christian Outreach; Kevin Donovan and Mutual Inc.; AFT’s “Reading Opens the World” initiative; East End Screen Printing; Mitev Law Firm; AFLAC; Katherine Martin and Cetera Investors; Feldman/Kramer/Monaco, PC.; Lenny Bruno Farms; Rod Dayton and Jim Scheidel from VOYA Financial; and William Floyd teachers, custodians and students.
Clothing donations:
- Helpsy, thanks to WFUT member and safe schools chairperson Mike Lacarrubba’s relationship and work with the organization, donated 1,000 winter coats to the community.
- Teachers donated 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:
- 150 turkeys were purchased at a discounted rate from Cow Palace thanks to generous donations by Kevin Donovan (Mutual Inc.), Katherine Martin (Cetera), Dominick Mautarelli (AFLAC), Rod Dayton/Jim Scheidel (Voya), Feldman/Kramer/Monaco, and Mitev Law firm. Special thanks to Shelley Milne for arranging this purchase.
- PJ Balzer of the King’s Kids Christian Outreach in Mastic Beach donated an additional 150 turkeys. Special thanks to Nancy Kimmerling for helping to make this happen.
- Thanksgiving potatoes for 300 families donated by Jakki Engasser and Focus Church.
- Thanksgiving food packages for 300 families consisting of cranberry sauce, corn, stuffing purchased with WFUT member monetary donations.
- Amy Nardi and her family donated more than 300 brown shopping bags that were used to distribute the food.
Book, toy and ornament giveaways:
- The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) “Reading Opens the World” grant allowed WFUT to purchase more than 800 children’s books to distribute.
- WFHS music teacher Michelle Seifert donated stuffed animals.
- An anonymous high school teacher donated two bins filled with new children’s toys.
- William Floyd High School CTE Carpentry students and Set Design students, under the direction of Matt Van Horne and Steve Rendino, crafted holiday ornaments and designed the elaborate Santa’s Corner booth.
- Talented student-musicians performed holiday classics for the enjoyment of attendees.
- Science Honor Society students and Student Government students sorted and bagged 300 Thanksgiving food packages consisting of side dishes.
- CTE Barbering, Skills USA, Student Government, and Science Honor Society students served the community as volunteers.
- CTE Culinary students with instructor Rich Daly helped unload and store the frozen turkeys.
- Aramark Food Services and WFSD facilities also provided storage for the frozen turkeys.
- WFHS librarian Stacy Redmond designed the promotional flyers.
- William Floyd custodial staff provided great assistance along the way.