Friday, October 16, 2026
The West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund held its annual fall clothing drive on Sunday, raising money to provide financial support for eligible graduating seniors who reside within the West Hempstead School District.
Despite the rain, members of the organization stood outside West Hempstead Secondary School collecting donations on Oct. 4, totaling 1,805.2 pounds. Dozens of filled bags lined the stairs leading to the school’s entrance. Care Cycle, who collect donations and give back to fundraisers through them, picked them up at the end of the drive.
“This isn’t just about students who go to West Hempstead High School. This is about any child who is graduating from high school,” corresponding secretary Courtney Berry said. “We exist for all teenagers here, and we need people to get involved. We need people to donate time, donate money, donate goods, donate raffle prizes and become involved, invest in your kids.”
Several local students came to help with the drive, including Amberlyn Berry-Rowley, the student representative for the Scholarship Fund, and Nico and Ryan Rivas.
“Their help was invaluable today,” she said. “We want them to know that we are here, we exist, the scholars exist.”
Additionally, former president Santos Welti helped coordinate the clothing drive and was on hand during the loading of the truck.
“It’s going wonderful,” trustee Laurene Baumann said. “It’s many different families throughout Long Island. It’s going very well so far. We did well during the spring as well, we did fabulously.”
People from communities outside West Hempstead also came out for the clothing drive after seeing posts about the fundraiser on social media. Many residents prepare donations in advance because the clothing drive is an annual fundraiser for the organization.
“We thank the West Hempstead community and we are deeply grateful for their continued generosity and support,” vice president Luisa Mistretta said. “You have helped us make a difference in the lives of local students. Through your generous donations and support of our fundraisers — especially our clothing drives, one of our largest fundraisers — you help provide college scholarships to graduating seniors who are West Hempstead residents attending either public or private schools.”
As of this year, the Community Scholarship Fund has awarded $507,500 in college aid to 331 students over its first 57 years, helping generations of local students pursue their educational goals with support from the community.
“Every donation, every bag of clothing, every volunteer, and every act of support matters,” Mistretta said. “We are only as strong as the community that supports us — and the West Hempstead community continues to show us just how strong we can be together.”
As the organization enters its 58th year, members plan to continue serving the community through various fundraisers, including the annual Awards Dinner and Raffle each May. Scholarship applications are available beginning in January at most high school guidance departments and the West Hempstead Public Library.
For more information on the West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund, visit WHCSFund.Wixsite.com/Website.
