Young volunteer receives town award

A Valley Stream resident was an unusually young recipient of a Town of Hempstead Make A Difference Award on May 19, recognized for her “selfless” service to her community.

Emily Kathleen Hall, 9, received a medal at the annual ceremony for several acts of generosity. For the past three years, instead of collecting candy for herself on Halloween, she collected canned food that she donated to a local food pantry. She has also served Thanksgiving dinners to families in need, and has performed song and theater with her friends for the past two years at a home for senior citizens.

When she was 5 years old, Hall sang and recited a quote for the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate Harmony Week. For Black History Month this year, she performed a tap dance solo during a celebration honoring young students who were awarded college scholarships. She has also earned praise for her ability to fundraise for her school; this school year, she raised $1,000 in her school’s gift wrap sale. She has done it all while maintaining “top grades,” according to the town.