Awarded for making a difference

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town board recognized a dozen community members for contributions to their local neighborhoods at the 17th Annual Make A Difference Awards ceremony. Several of the recipients of the award were among residents who went above and beyond to help others in the wake of the Superstorm Sandy.

“Every year we gather to honor the unsung heroes who strive to improve their communities and help their fellow citizens,” said Murray. “You will not find these people in the tabloids or on television. In fact, these honorees could be one of your neighbors, co-workers, or even a local landscaper with a green thumb and a heart of gold.”

One of the honorees was Melissa Van Wickler of East Rockaway.

Shortly after Hurricane Sandy devastated the community, Van Wickler started a Facebook page, “Paying it Forward in East Rockaway,” serving as a lifeline for the neighborhood. It became a place where people with items to spare could donate, and those who lost everything could find furniture, food, blankets and more. She also organized a “Pay it Forward” event, where East Rockaway residents could go to the local recreation center and “shop” for donated clothing, food, appliances and furniture.

When Van Wickler discovered that a neighbor was living in a FEMA hotel, she personally donated a fully stocked RV so the neighbor could live on her own property enjoying many comforts of home. She also helped a boy’s hockey team at Bay Park that lost all their equipment, and started “Operation Clean Up with a Smile.” She obtained lawn mowers and weed whackers, and organized volunteers to clean up and cut the lawns of properties that were still uninhabitable after the storm. She also celebrated each time a neighbor was able to return home, delivering welcome home baskets of cheer.

The other recipients included Andrew Alderman of East Meadow, Tommy Asher of Island Park, Rener Reed of West Hempstead, and John Remsen of Freeport.

“Our award recipients make our lives better every day and stepped up when people needed help most in the wake of Sandy,” Murray said. “There are times when good deeds go unnoticed. But, whether it’s an ordinary day or a period of extreme need, the time is almost always right for a good deed.”