COBA and Clarke donate hundreds of food, supplies to vets

Students and correction officers worked together to collect hundreds of food and supplies to donate to homeless and food insecure veterans.

The Nassau County Correction Officers Benevolent Association, which represents over 1,200 active and retired correction officers, spearheaded the drive with W.T. Clarke Middle School in Salisbury.

“We hope to make this an annual event that will grow larger each year,” said Nassau COBA President Brian Sullivan.

On Nov. 22, COBA members and some of their children delivered the supplies to the food pantry at the Veterans Service Agency in East Meadow, which serves hundreds of Nassau County veterans and their families each year.

"Our veterans have always answered the call to service when our nation needed them the most and unfortunately, all too often, they return from active duty in need of much assistance," Sullivan said. "It's our job to make sure they are never forgotten, particularly as we approach the holiday season.”

Healthplex also donated 200 packages of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouth wash to the group’s first drive. Sullivan thanked Tim Kelly, of Healthplex, for the organization’s contribution.

"We are overwhelmed by this outpouring of support, which is the largest donation we've ever received in my years here," said Cris Sohmer, the Transportation and Food Pantry Coordinator at the Veterans Service Agency. "These vital supplies will help so many of our local veterans in need.”

—Brian Stieglitz