Reported by: Yuqi Nie
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, volunteers from the AYLUS Syosset Branch participated in the Will Sing for Food Winter Concert at Queens Theatre in Corona, NY, an event hosted by Long Island Cares. Now in its 14th year, the concert raises funds to combat hunger on Long Island, featuring a high-energy performance spanning multiple music genres.
Volunteer Activities
Initial Setup:
- Our team, consisting of Yuqi Nie, Linda Lin, and Isabella Xu and their parents, arrived at 5:00 PM, though we came early to familiarize ourselves with the venue (required is 5:30 PM).
- The event coordinator, Nancy, warmly welcomed us and guided us through our responsibilities.
- Paul, a Long Island Cares staff member, helped deliver additional supplies, including water.
- We prepared a variety of drinks and snacks to serve the audience as they arrived.
Serving Guests:
- The first wave of attendees arrived at 7:00 PM, eagerly stopping by our station to grab refreshments.
- We worked alongside our parents, ensuring friendly and efficient service.
- Notably, Linda’s father, Larry, brought an energetic and humorous touch to the experience, making many guests smile and laugh.
- While all drinks and snacks were complimentary, many attendees generously donated cash, contributing significantly to the cause.
Intermission and Second Service:
- At 8:00 PM, as the concert began, guests moved into the theater, giving us a short break.
- Around 9:00 PM, we prepared for intermission by setting up drinks and snacks in advance to avoid long wait times.
- The challenge was balancing the right number of pre-poured drinks—too many would result in waste, too few would cause delays.
- Using our experience from the first wave, we strategically adjusted quantities to optimize efficiency, ensuring smooth service.
- Around 10:00 PM, the intermission is over and people came back to theater to enjoy the second part of the concert and we finished our work.
Outcome of the Event:
- The concert attracted a large and generous audience, with donations likely exceeding $4,000.
- Our efforts in providing excellent service contributed to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the event.
- Though physically exhausted, we felt incredibly rewarded knowing our work helped bring joy to both concert attendees and those in need.
Volunteer List and Hours:
- Yuqi Nie (4.5 hours), Linda Lin (4.5 hours), Isabella Xu (4.5 hours)
Through teamwork and dedication, AYLUS Syosset played a small but meaningful role in supporting Long Island Cares and its mission to fight hunger. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to more impactful events in the future.
