July 11, 2024
Dear Friends,
It's hard to believe we are approaching mid-August, and the fall will be upon us in just a few weeks! The summer has been such a busy time for the Coalition as we gear up for our annual Back Pack Pirates camp for children experiencing homelessness on Long Island. This event is at the heart of our mission. As we enter the season of busy preparations for the new school year, I want to express my gratitude to our incredible community of supporters for their generosity of heart that makes this event a success.
Backpack Pirates began in 2006, providing children experiencing homelessness with a day of fun activities, games, and, really, the opportunity to be a child in the precious days of summer. Through this program, children receive a fully stocked new backpack, a new back-to-school outfit and shoes, and, just to make sure they are prepared for camp, a new bathing suit and towel. There will most definitely be ice cream and face painting, too!
You may wonder how we can do this for 250 children each summer. The answer is simple: YOU! Our supporters make bringing joy to children on Long Island possible every year, and we are incredibly fortunate to partner with each of you. We also have several corporate sponsors. That list includes Jovia, KPMG, Sands New York, Target, and Melville Costco this year. Our wonderful nonprofit sponsors, Christmas Magic and Church Unleashed played a critical role, too. As they say, it takes a village.
Back Pack Pirates would only be Back Pack Pirates…with the backpacks! And as I close my summer update, I want to tell you a little more about the how, but more importantly, about the why. The why is Scott Martella, who left us too soon but, through his memory, leaves behind a legacy of kindness and service to the community, honored each year by his mother, Stacy Martella, and Scott's fiancé, Shelbi Thurau. The Scott Martella School Supply Drive brings government, community, and individuals together each spring and summer to collect all the items that prepare children for their first day of school and to set them up for success for the year.
And one last how: how do the back backs get packed? Through our AMAZING Sort and Pack Day volunteers! A big thank you for coming down to The Amityville Community Center on a Saturday, bringing friends and family, and giving back meaningfully. In Stacy Martella's words about Scott, whose passion was to give back, this is how we collectively "…pay it forward in a world that could use much more of that."
With deep gratitude,
Greta Guarton, LMSW
Executive Director
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