On Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM, volunteers from the Great Neck AYLUS branch met at the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink to take part in the therapeutic ice-skating program. It felt really special seeing many of the same skaters from last season. A lot of them remembered us too, which made the reunion even nicer. Right from the start, everyone was excited to get back on the ice and begin preparing for the Winter Show, and you could feel the energy as soon as the session began. Each volunteer was matched with a skater, and we spent the hour helping them feel comfortable, stay balanced, and try new skills. Some needed a hand to hold the entire time, while others were already practicing more advanced moves, but every volunteer made sure their skater felt supported. It wasn’t just about technique—there were lots of encouraging words, laughs, and little moments of progress that made the session meaningful. The rink felt really positive, and you could see the confidence growing in many of the skaters as the hour went on. The kids especially had a great time. Seeing their happiness made all the volunteers even more motivated to keep helping each week. We truly appreciate everyone who came to volunteer. Your kindness, patience, and commitment helped make the program successful, and we’re all looking forward to watching the skaters improve as the season continues.
Reported By Jocelyn Chen
Volunteers and Hours (1hr): Jocelyn Chen Alisha Zhang, Paris Zhang, and Allison Shilagani