By Mike Schnitzel
Established in 2001 by ERHS's athletic department, the Community Hall of Fame shows appreciation for community members who have given something back to children, said Vulpis. "We honor people who exemplify what we call the four C's," he said. They comprise competence, civility, character and citizenship, he explained.
"Ever since we were kids, he's been out there doing good works for others," said Joe Lores, Jimmy's brother, who teaches and coaches at ERHS. "He's been collecting cans and donating the money to the schools for the past 20 years."
According to Vulpis, Lores gives the proceeds he collects from the cans to students who are in need. "He comes to me and asks if there is anyone that I know of who needs the money, and why they need the money," said Vulpis. "When I find someone for him, he gives me the money and has me give it to [the student in need]. They don't know where the money comes from, and that's the way Jimmy wants it."
Lores, a 1974 graduate of Lynbrook High School, has spent most of his life doing good works for the community, according to those who know him. "He's a wonderful human being who loves the kids and East Rockaway, and he exemplifies the spirit of this school district," said Superintendent Dr. Arnold Dodge.
According to Joe Lores, when Jimmy was 15, he singlehandedly filled up a truck with goods for the paper drive at St. Raymond's Church in East Rockaway. "He's not even a member of that parish, but he wanted to help out anyway," said Joe. "That's the kind of guy he is."
During his time with the school district, Jimmy has driven the team bus for all sports, volunteered his time for various charity drives, refereed sports for East Rockaway recreation and St. Raymond's CYO, and currently serves as the assistant coach of the junior varsity girls' softball team. He's also the man who always brings flowers to graduation and parent night.
"Initially he worked for Hicksville Florist, but then moved over to Pennock Florist, a wholesale floral operation, and he would bring flowers from there to the school for different occasions," said Joe.
One of the sweetest moments at the school's annual pep rally is when Jimmy honors the players on one of the teams he helps out with. He buys them shirts or caps - something from him to them - without a thought of receiving thanks. That is the core of Jimmy, as described by everyone who knows him.
He has sat atop buses to film football games for the team, gone out of his way to quietly recognize students' accomplishments, and "the best part is, he does it with his whole heart," said a former student. "Jimmy Lores is like a guardian angel. He's there very quietly making life better for the kids at the school. He loves the kids and they love him back."
Lores joins Jerry Chapel, James Cardus, Mayor Joseph Carrigan, Glenn Levison, and Lou Perri as a member of the East Rockaway Community Hall of Fame.
Karenlyn Barone contributed to this story. Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
