Suffolk Reporter

The William Floyd United Teachers (WFUT) recently held their second annual 1,000 coat giveaway. This event aimed to provide warmth during the colder months by distributing 1,000 coats, Thanksgiving meals, winter hats, gloves, toys, books, ornaments, and more.

“I am overwhelmed by the contributions throughout the district and our surrounding community,” said Mike Devenney, a William Floyd High School English teacher and WFUT union president.

The event was a collaborative effort between the school and community. All items were distributed within the first hour of the event.

Helpsy donated 1,000 winter coats to the community. Teachers contributed additional winter coats and hand-knitted scarves and hats collected by William Paca Middle School teachers Kari Garfen and Melissa Abbatiello. East End Screen Printing provided 1,000 winter hats and gloves.

Food donations included 150 turkeys purchased at a discounted rate from Cow Palace with donations from Kevin Donovan (Mutual Inc.), Katherine Martin (Cetera), Dominick Mautarelli (AFLAC), Rod Dayton/Jim Scheidel (Voya), Feldman/Kramer/Monaco, and Mitev Law firm. PJ Balzer of King’s Kids Christian Outreach in Mastic Beach donated an additional 150 turkeys. Jakki Engasser and Focus Church donated potatoes for 300 families. WFUT member monetary donations funded Thanksgiving food packages for 300 families consisting of cranberry sauce, corn, stuffing. Amy Nardi and her family donated over 300 brown shopping bags for food distribution.

The American Federation of Teachers’ “Reading Opens the World” grant enabled WFUT to purchase over 800 children’s books for distribution. WFHS music teacher Michelle Seifert donated stuffed animals while an anonymous high school teacher contributed two bins filled with new children’s toys. William Floyd High School CTE Carpentry students and Set Design students crafted holiday ornaments and designed Santa’s Corner booth under Matt Van Horne's and Steve Rendino's direction.

Volunteers included talented student-musicians who performed holiday classics for attendees' enjoyment. Science Honor Society students and Student Government members sorted and bagged Thanksgiving food packages consisting of side dishes. CTE Barbering, Skills USA, Student Government, Science Honor Society students volunteered at the event while CTE Culinary students with instructor Rich Daly helped unload frozen turkeys which Aramark Food Services along with WFSD facilities stored.

In addition to onsite giveaways, four full bags of coats were donated to Billy Floyd’s closet for William Floyd students in need.

This community event was made possible by the dedication of WFUT members alongside partners such as Helpsy; PJ Balzer of King’s Kids Christian Outreach; Kevin Donovan; AFT’s “Reading Opens the World” initiative; East End Screen Printing; Mitev Law Firm; AFLAC; Katherine Martin; Feldman/Kramer/Monaco PC.; Lenny Bruno Farms; Rod Dayton & Jim Scheidel from VOYA Financial; William Floyd teachers & custodians & students.