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Chabad donors clear $420K for 2025 programs this holiday season.” The Chabad center is a nonprofit dedicated to helping comThe Chabad of Merrick-Bell- munity members through spirimore-Wantagh recently held its tual guidance, education and fifth annual “Be a Match — social services around the Spark the Light” fundraising clock, from finding doctors and campaign, bringing in more hospitals to connecting people than $420,000 to benefit commu- with financial advisors. The initial goal of the event nity members in need. “We live in a great communi- was to raise $300,000 within the three-day period, ty, the people are but two families, very generous and Alan and Tatyana charitable,” Rabbi For man, and Shimon Kramer, the Eliezer and Yetta Chabad’s director, P u t t e r, m a t c h e d said. R abb i K r a m e r each donation. Alan and his wife, For man is a BellChanie, organized more-based entret h e f u n d r a i s e r, preneur who foundRABBi SHiMoN wh i c h w a s h e l d ed Altronix, a globfrom Dec. 17-19, to KRAMER al electronics mancover the cost of the Director, ufacturing compaC h a b a d c e n t e r ’s Chabad of Merrickny. operations for 2025. Bellmore-Wantagh “We’re very, very The fundraiser g rateful that the attracted almost 500 community got donors, who contributed to the together and everybody conthree-day campaign. tributed in whatever they had,” “It’s not only the amount he said. “We’re glad that it went that was given, we’re also the way it went.” impressed by the amount of Forman said he was motivatpeople who gave it in three days ed to combat hunger in the for charity,” Rabbi Kramer said. local community and to support “It’s a great feeling to know that Chabad’s educational pro there are so many friends out grams. there that value the importance “His school is unparalleled,” of being here for others during
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo
jdalessandro@liherald.com
Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
Members of the Calhoun Community Clubboard, along with faculty adviser and Assistant Principal Mark Melkonian.
Calhoun Clubboard displays leadership through service By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
At Calhoun High School in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, the Community Clubboard stands as a testament to the power of student leadership and service. Since its founding in 2018, the Clubboard has supported the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard, a food pantry that provides essential resources to more than 145 local families. On average, 50 families rely on the cupboard’s services every two weeks. The pantry operates at the Brookside School in North Merrick, the district’s headquarters. The Clubboard’s mission extends beyond providing food — it’s about creating a culture of giving, service and compassion that inspires others, according to its faculty adviser and Calhoun’s assistant principal, Mark Melkonian. “The Clubboard organizes community-ser-
vice events, markets initiatives and inspires younger students to continue its mission of positive community impact,” Melkonian said. That mission is upheld by a dedicated group of 34 students, including leaders who are siblings of the founding members, ensuring the Clubboard’s sustainability.
Strength through community collaboration
The Clubboard thrives thanks to partnerships with organizations and individuals committed to making a difference. Local supporters such as the St. Barbara’s Philoptochos chapter at Merrick’s St. Demetrios Church, led by Patty Sarantakos, and the Merrick Community Nursery School, directed by Christine Cicero, have played crucial roles in organizing food drives and replenishing the pantry’s shelves. Within Calhoun High School, the Clubboard collaborates with groups like the leadership classes and the National Honor SociContinued on PAge 4
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verybody should consider doing their part.
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