Friday, January 8, 2021
Vol. 81, No. 2
$1
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
Sharing Table helps those who are food insecure BY GARY SIMEONE
Bethpage resident Judy Wichter with donations at the Sharing Table
Grants support fire dept., ambulance
Local fire departments have received more than $300,000 in relief grants from the Town of Hempstead. The initiative recognizes the ongoing efforts of first responders who continued to step up for the community throughout the pandemic by providing several fire departments with funds to reimburse needed, yet unbudgeted COVID19 expenses incurred to keep the community safe. During the December 8th
Town Board meeting, the Wantagh-Levittown Volunteer Ambulance, was granted $28,899.71 and the Levittown Fire District was granted $16,159.95 to assist with unbudgeted expenses incurred throughout the pandemic response. “I would like to once again thank Senator Schumer for his part in securing the funding for multiple food, medical and educational initiatives among others like this one for first respond-
ers to remain safe and protected from COVID-19 as they continue to help our community,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “America’s largest township will continue to do what it can to support its first responders and residents throughout this pandemic.” This grant has been made possible through the funding of the federal CARES Act, which provided the Town of Hempstead with $133 million in funds.
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When Bethpage resident Judy Wichter first got the idea to place a folding table filled with non-perishable food items outside of her home, she was thinking about those who are struggling during the pandemic. “The concept of the sharing table is fairly simple,” said Wichter, who works for the Alzheimer’s Association. “We have a table setup in front of our homes with items like canned goods, toiletries and cleaning products for anyone who might be struggling in the current environment to take with them free of charge.” Wichter said she first got the idea for the Sharing Table after reading about another Long Island resident who started one in her community. “I read an article in Newsday around Thanksgiving about this Seaford resident who set up a table in front of her home. I thought it was such a great idea that as soon as the holiday was over, I ran out and purchased items for my own table.” She also created a huge banner similar to the one in Seaford that read “Take what you need, and leave what you can, if you can!” The items that she initially purchased included various toiletries, cleaning products and non-perishable foods such as canned vegetables, fruits, beans and boxes of rice and pasta. “I think this is such an important thing to do in the community with so many people struggling with job losses and food insecurity due to the pandemic,” said Wichter. “I’ve seen such an incredible response from neighbors and strangers since I’ve placed the table. People have dropped off and donated items and I’ve seen a lot of people pick up things during the day. It really is a no judgement zone here.” Wichter said that she sets the table up seven days a week, weather permitting. She also hasn’t had to purchase one item since November because of the generous donations from neighbors friends and strangers. “Really my only duties are taking inventory every once in awhile and making sure the bins are not overloaded with any particular items. I also take the bins inside at the end of each day.” Wichter said that thanks to social media, there are 15 other Sharing Tables set up throughout the state, including ones in Queens and Poughkeepsie. “I plan to keep doing this until the end of this month, and if I feel there is still a need, I’ll push it out even further.” If any members of the public wish to donate or pick up items from the table, the address is located at 16 Helena Avenue, Bethpage.
Students participate in Hour of Code PAGE 14 Resident honored for community service PAGE 10