__________________ Merrick _________________
HERALD Rabbis discuss Sydney tragedy
A festive evening in Merrick
Amy McCoy shares her story
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Vol. 28 No. 51
DECEMBER 18 - 24, 2025
$1.00
Before and after school care program ending the district, Testa said the district has been pleased to provide space to support families’ T h e B e l l m o r e - M e r r i c k childcare needs. The program is expected to Childcare Program, a longtime provider of before- and after- continue operating for chilschool care in North Bellmore dren who attend the North schools, will no longer operate Merrick School District. Repin the district after the 2025– resentatives from the childcare 2026 school year, Superinten- program were unavailable for comment when dent Marie Testa contacted by the announced in an Herald. email to families The program on Dec. 10. provides super“As reported at vised care during last evening’s mornings and Board of Education afternoons, includm e e t i n g , we a re ing homework disappointed and assistance, strucsaddened to inform tured recreational you that the Bellactivities, and more-Merrick organized sports. Childcare Program Staff members also will no longer be MARiE TESTA implement incenoperating in North Superintendent, t ive a n d rew a rd B e l l m o re S ch o o l North Bellmore systems designed District schools, to encourage posieffective at the end School District tive behavior and of the 2025–2026 school year,” Testa wrote. The engagement, creating a supdistrict was informed of the portive and structured envidecision by June Smith, direc- ronment for students outside of regular school hours. tor of BMCCP. Testa expressed gratitude BMCCP has been a fixture in the schools for decades, for the program’s staff and offering personalized care for leadership. “We are especially grateful s t u d e n t s b e fo re a n d a f t e r school. Although the program to Director June Smith and the operates independently from ContinueD on paGe 5
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ
hgaldamez@liherald.com
Courtesy Joeseph Gallart
Joe Gallart collected more than 11,200 toys through his nonprofit, Desirae’s Darlings.
Joe Gallart collects over 11,200 toys in annual drive for Desirae’s Darlings By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Joseph Gallart, a longtime Merrick resident and community volunteer, has once again spread holiday cheer, collecting more than 11,200 toys this year through his nonprofit, Desirae’s Darlings, in honor of his late daughter. The annual toy drive, operating in its third year as a formal nonprofit, ensures children in need receive gifts during the holiday season. Gallart, who began collecting toys in 2016, said this year’s efforts featured
a sold-out comedy show at the Bell Playhouse and a unique collaboration with local TikTok influencer Mike Ventura, who helped gather more than 800 toys from his followers. “This year was amazing,” Gallart said. “We had 73 people at our house for breakfast and what I call a ‘load and go.’ It was electric. Every box I pick up has Desirae’s picture on it. Every time I mention the charity, her name is constantly on people’s lips.” In addition to community collections, local schools contributed to the effort. Sea-
2025-26 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW December 18, 2025
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heir commitment to our students and community has been truly invaluable.