Shoreham-Wading River: Help the WR fire department’s annual Stuff-A-Bus campaign

I’d like to thank the Riverhead News-Review for asking me to continue the Shoreham-Wading River column now that the North Shore Sun is no longer available in print. Like I said to all my Sun readers from Shoreham-Wading River, ‘Writing about all of you has been my passion and my pleasure.’ I’m happy to be “back.”

Do you sometimes wonder if there are angels around you? Nine years ago, after losing their son Kevin in the Sept. 11 twin towers attacks, Shoreham residents Pat and Mike Williams and their daughter, Kelly, and son, Jamie, decided to begin a foundation to honor Kevin. Today, the Kevin Williams Memorial Foundation is a thriving, life-giving organization that does a number of charitable deeds, including bringing wrapped toys to children in need. Those involved in this cause know that to some child who needs a gift, they are making a world of difference.

Phil’s Restaurant in Wading River hosted the Kevin’s Holiday Angels gift drive on Dec. 1 and many presents were dropped off. If you wish to be part of this angelic cause, you may still drop off a gift at Phil’s. Additionally, the Rocky Point Fire Department’s Shoreham firehouse on Route 25A in Shoreham also has a collection box; gifts are needed by Dec. 15, since wrapping will take place on Dec. 18 at the Shoreham firehouse. For more information, e-mail [email protected], visit kevinwilliamsfoundation.org or write The Kevin Williams Foundation, P.O. Box 1118, Shoreham, NY 11786.

You can be an angel yourself by helping out the Wading River Fire Department’s annual Stuff-A-Bus campaign. From now until New Year’s Day firefighters will be gathering non-perishable items to “stuff a bus,” literally, from floor to ceiling at the North Wading River Road firehouse. On Jan. 1, the food cache will be donated to local food pantries. With the unemployment rate so high, the needs of the community also run high, while food pantry supplies run low. The Stuff-A-Bus campaign helps to replenish local food pantry supplies. You’ll be an angel helping an angel when you contribute, and let’s face it, giving to someone in need adds feathers to your wings.