The Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club recently donated $900 to a Merrick family whose Decker Avenue home was destroyed by fire , part of the organization’s continued effort to expand its community outreach in Merrick.
Spearheaded by Rotary Club secretary and Merrick resident Kerry Esmay, who is set to become the club’s president later this year.
“I had heard about the fire through some connections in the community, and it really tugged at my heartstrings,” said Esmay, who joined the club two years ago. “They lost their home, their belongings and several pets. I just couldn’t imagine going through something like that and not trying to help.”
Esmay brought the situation to the Rotary Club, which quickly organized a collection among its members. The funds were recently presented to the family to assist with immediate needs.
“When you lose everything, there are so many things you don’t even think about at first — basic household items like a can opener, clothes, a hair dryer,” Esmay said. “We just wanted to give them a little help to get back on their feet.”
In addition to the Rotary Club’s donation, a GoFundMe fundraiser was created to support the family. As of press time, more than $19,000 had been raised through community contributions.
Jordan Pecora, the immediate past president of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club, said the effort reflects the organization’s core mission of service.
“Our motto is ‘Service Above Self,’” Pecora said. “We want to give more of ourselves and make sure people know we’re here to support both Freeport and Merrick.”
Pecora, who served as club president during the 2024–25 Rotary year and has been a member since 2020, said the club has historically focused more of its projects in Freeport but is now working to build a stronger presence in Merrick.
“We’re a club for both communities, not just Freeport,” Pecora said. “A lot of what we’ve done in the past has been more Freeport-based, but we want to make sure Merrick feels represented and supported as well.”
The donation to the Merrick family is part of a broader effort to balance the club’s outreach. The Rotary Club has previously supported Merrick-based organizations, including local food pantries, and hopes to continue strengthening those relationships.
Esmay said being a Merrick resident and parent in the school district has helped her become more aware of local needs.
“I’m involved in the PTA and have a lot of connections in the community, so I hear about situations where people might need help,” she said. “We always want to respond thoughtfully and in ways that actually make an impact.”
Both Pecora and Esmay noted that the club has assisted families affected by fires before, including a recent effort in Freeport where members collected clothing and other essentials.
The family who received the donation expressed deep gratitude, Esmay said.
“They were incredibly appreciative and really moved by how many people in the community came together to help them,” she said.
Looking ahead, Esmay said the Rotary Club hopes to become more involved in Merrick and partner with local organizations.
“If people have ideas for ways we can help or work together, I’d love to hear them,” she said. “We want to have the greatest impact possible in the community.”
