Reported by: Yuqi Nie
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, volunteers from AYLUS Syosset Branch gathered at King Kullen, 1340 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh, to assist with a food drive organized by Long Island Cares. The volunteers worked in two shifts: a morning shift (9:00 am to 12:00 pm) and an afternoon shift (12:00 pm to 4:00 pm), with some dedicated members participating in both shifts.
Volunteer Activities
- Initial Setup:
- Upon arrival, we notified the King Kullen customer service attendant about their role as Long Island Cares volunteers.
- We assembled 10 food drive boxes, securing them with tape to ensure stability.
- We set up a table with a tablecloth, two chairs, and L.I. Cares brochures to inform patrons about the cause.
- Handing Out Flyers and Collecting Donations:
- We stood outside the entrance and exit, distributing Adopt-a-Family food item request forms to customers entering the store.
- As donations arrived, we carefully organized the items into separate bins for cans and boxed/soft items to prevent damage and ensure proper sorting.
- Outcome of the Day:
- We collected approximately 10 boxes of food, totaling around 500 pounds—an impressive contribution that will greatly benefit Long Island families in need, including veterans, children, and member agencies that support the local community.
- Teamwork and Support:
- In addition to our young Syosset volunteers, adult volunteer Liam Flynn from Farmingdale radio station joined the effort, and all worked collaboratively to ensure a smooth operation.
- The store manager, Matthew, was exceptionally supportive, even allowing the team to store donated frozen turkeys in the store’s freezer and providing assistance throughout the event.
Volunteers’ Dedication
Despite the chilly weather in the morning, we remained enthusiastic and dedicated. Our hard work included standing outside for hours, engaging with donors, organizing food items, and carrying donations to the storeroom. This collective effort brought warmth to everyone involved, reinforcing the community spirit and reminding everyone of the kindness that exists, especially during the holiday season.
Volunteer List and Hours:
Yuqi Nie(7 hours), Justin Lin(3 hours), Amanda Wu(4 hours), Kingston Lu(4 hours), Elva Chen(7 hours), Jeffrey Chen(3 hours), Isabel Xu(3 hours), Rayya Zheng(4 hours)
Through their efforts, we contributed to ensuring that more families on Long Island will have access to holiday meals. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all who donated and supported this cause, making a difference in the lives of many.
