Back in early 2022, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Rosanne Spinner, approached our Lakeville Estates Civic Association in New Hyde Park asking if they’d participate in a birthday/holiday card-writing campaign for Northport VA Hospital (632) residents of Psych Unit. These residents rarely, if ever, get visitors. This act of kindness was well received by the civic association, but it surely had a ripple effect on Michael Dore, who not only participated in the card-writing campaign along with his family, but he wanted to do even more for our veterans.
With that in mind, I suggested that Michael reach out directly to the Northport VA Hospital to see what the veterans would want, as he really wanted to bring them joy. The VA Hospital provided Michael with a “Wish List” and Michael got busy. Out of his own allowance, he purchased gym pants for the men and women veterans, T-shirts, flip flops, pajamas for men and women, toothbrushes, underwear, scarves, caps, hoodies, shoes, sneakers, jackets, hair accessories, shampoo, body wash, hand wash liquids, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee pods, plastic hangers, some decorations, x-lights, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day and 4th of July Magazines. In addition, he wrote out 60 Thank You cards for each of the veterans for Memorial Day. These items were all purchased with Michael’s own money, part of which he earned over Christmas selling Christmas trees at the Lion’s Club, and from tips that he received. The value of the donated articles was more than $400.
Michael, who had just completed 11th grade at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, headed out to Northport VA Hospital on May 23, 2023 along with his parents to deliver a truckload of goodies for the veterans, as he wanted so much to do something special for our brave men and women, and felt that this “small” donation, as he calls it, would be a way to thank them for their service and to remind them that because of them, he gets to live in a free country.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention that Michael accomplished all of this, while simultaneously working on his Boy Scout Troop 298 Eagle Scout Project where he had recently built an additional three exercise stations at Memorial Park in New Hyde Park for adults as well as for seniors. Naturally, Michael received a Certificate of Appreciation from Northport VA Hospital back in May.
In addition, on October 17, 2023, the American Legion Auxiliary’s National Children & Youth Committee also issued Michael the “Good Deed Award”. On that same date, Assemblyman Ed Ra, as well as Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti issued Proclamations for Michael. In addition, Senator Jack Martins’ Chief of Staff, Paul Ehrlich, presented Michael with a framed Proclamation.
In response to these awards, Michael said, “I didn’t do it to be recognized. I just think we should all give back. Thank you.” The American Legion Auxiliary Williston Unit 144 applauds Michael for being such an asset and great example! His humble yet generous spirit brought such joy to these veterans.
Submitted by Margaret Dore
