Students at William L. Buck Elementary School read heartfelt letters to local veterans as Valley Stream launched its third annual Veterans Toiletry Drive.
The Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream kicked off the drive Oct. 20 with a ceremony at the school. Superintendent Unal Karakas, Principal Michael DeBlasio and the school’s Student Council senators welcomed chamber members, village officials and veterans. The senators are led by Christine Iadevaio and Marissa Campo.
During the ceremony, several Student Council senators read letters they had written to the veterans, thanking them for their service and the sacrifices they made for the country. According to the chamber, the students’ words made for an emotional moment and showed the importance of teaching children gratitude, respect and the value of giving back.
The drive collects personal care items for local veterans in need. It began at Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School with the Youth Leadership Club, led by school counselor Laura Mesa. The effort has grown since, but the club still takes the lead. After the items are collected, its members sort them and take part in handing them off to the veterans.
William L. Buck Elementary has taken part since the drive began three years ago. Each year, students and staff support the effort, even decorating their own donation boxes.
This year, every school in the Valley Stream Central High School District is participating, along with many of the community’s elementary schools.
Donations will be distributed at the Veterans Stand Down in November. The event, held twice a year, provides veterans in need with warm coats, toiletries, food and other resources. More donations will go to New York State Veterans Homes.
The drive has also helped connect generations. Last Thanksgiving, donated items were delivered to veterans along with thank-you letters written by local students. The letters were placed on the veterans’ tables for their Thanksgiving dinner, a reminder that their service had not been forgotten.
The chamber and the village are inviting schools, businesses, organizations and residents to take part.
Donations will be accepted through Nov. 6. Requested items include full-size, unscented toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, deodorant, shaving cream, bar soap and body wash, along with socks for men and women in all sizes.
Items can be dropped off at Valley Stream Village Hall, the Valley Stream Pool lobby, the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, VFW Post 1790 and the Valley Stream American Legion. Donations are also being accepted at State Farm, 157 Dubois Ave., and Dime Community Bank, 175 W. Merrick Road.
Donations can also be made online at bit.ly/4eUxeNr.
