The Valley Stream Teachers’ Association, representing educators and school staff across all four Valley Stream districts, expanded its community outreach efforts through a donation drive benefiting patients at the Orzac Center for Rehabilitation at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital.
The initiative, organized by the union’s Public Relations Board, reflects a broader effort to strengthen ties between educators and the community they serve. The board, composed of a representative from each district, was established to identify meaningful ways for the association to give back beyond the classroom. Members include Mardi Beck, James Fischman, Stephani McNulty and Tara Zamarano, working in collaboration with VSTA President Noelle Villa.
The project took shape earlier this school year after the board met to discuss outreach opportunities. Building on prior efforts such as supporting local food pantries, youth sports teams and blood drives, the group sought to expand its impact. The idea to assist the Orzac Rehabilitation Center emerged from that discussion, with a focus on supporting patients in recovery and long-term care.
Fischman, who chairs the Public Relations Board and teaches fifth grade at Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School in District 24, helped lead the initiative and coordinated outreach to the rehabilitation center.
“We love working for our community,” Fischman said. “We’re all teachers in Valley Stream, even though we don’t all live here. I just happen to live in the area, and I actually see the fruits of our labor right in front of us, which is a beautiful thing. It’s nice to bring the community and the teachers’ association together.”
After connecting with hospital staff, including Amanda Smith, director of patient and customer experience, and Christopher Lynch, deputy executive director, the board received guidance on what items would be most useful for patients. The hospital team gathered input directly from residents, identifying a need for recreational and practical items that could improve daily life during treatment.
Based on that feedback, the association organized a donation drive among its members. An online wish list was created to streamline the process, allowing educators across Districts 13, 24, 30 and the high school district to contribute items conveniently. Donations included puzzles, playing cards, crossword and word search books, as well as wearable holders designed to keep eyeglasses and phones accessible and secure.
The response from union members resulted in the collection of about 140 items. The items are intended to provide both mental stimulation and comfort to patients during their recovery.
“I think we all feel the same way,” Fischman said. “We hope that it brightens their day and makes their life a little bit easier.”
Villa, who has served as VSTA president for five years and has been an educator in District 13 since 1998 and currently teaches at Willow Road Elementary School as a math academic intervention services teacher, described the effort as part of a larger mission to remain actively engaged in the community. The association represents a wide range of school personnel, including teachers, teaching assistants, nurses and support staff, and has a longstanding presence in Valley Stream.
“We want to make sure that the people of Valley Stream know that their teachers are always working hard for them, and our concern for the community doesn’t end with the school bell,” Villa said.
The project also serves as an example of collaboration across the four districts. Each representative shared the donation initiative within their respective schools, helping to generate broader participation. The centralized online system simplified contributions and allowed members to donate according to their preferences.
For Beck, a first-year member of the Public Relations Board who teaches sixth grade at Shaw Avenue Elementary School in District 30, the experience highlighted the importance of modeling community involvement.
“We always stress to our students the importance of giving back to the community and being, you know, an active member in society,” Beck said. “I feel like if we’re going to impart that on our students, then we should be doing the same.”
Hospital staff appreciated the association’s efforts. Recreational materials can offer a welcome distraction from the routines of treatment, while practical items add convenience and safety.
Looking ahead, VSTA plans to continue its outreach work through additional initiatives. The association is scheduled to host a community blood drive at Green Acres Mall on May 16, building on similar efforts from previous years. The event is intended to encourage local participation and support ongoing blood donation needs.
In addition, members are preparing to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park later in May, where they will help prepare meals for families.
