South Side student provides food to local veterans

Jonah Testa, a student at South Side High School in Rockville Centre, with a keen awareness of the challenges faced by many former servicemen and women, took the Fourth of July holiday as an opportunity to try and make a difference in the lives of Long Island veterans.

His efforts focused on collecting cash and groceries to support the Nassau County Food Clinic at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow.

“I think there is a lot we can do better to help out our veterans,” Testa said. “The homelessness rate is very high, and with the Fourth of July rolling around, I thought it would be good and positive to do something and help out.”

Testa set up a table outside the Associated Supermarket on North Long Beach Road on July 3, starting at 8 a.m. Despite a slow start, the community’s generosity soon became apparent, as his sign caught the attention of shoppers and other passersby, prompting many to help contribute to the cause.

“I definitely got a lot more than I was expecting, both cash and groceries,” he remarked. “I was amazed to see how much we got. We ended up getting $1,000 in food and close to $200 in cash.”

One notable contribution came from a delivery truck drivers who, upon seeing his sign, stopped to donate two 2-liter bottles of soda. This small, simple gesture exemplified the community spirit that his initiative helped invoke.

Testa, who will be entering his junior year at South Side High School in September, said that he plans to continue his fundraising efforts in the future.

“I’m very impressed with RVC and thank you to all of the residents for their support,” he said, expressing his gratitude for living in such a supportive and engaged community.

His efforts highlighted the growing importance of providing easier access to groceries for those in need.

Food insecurity is a major issue on Long Island that continues to impact more than 221,000 people in Nassau and Suffolk counties, according to a 2022 study conducted by Feeding America — a more than 50 percent increase from the previous year.

To ensure that the donations would directly benefit veterans who rely on the food pantry for sustenance, he partnered with the Nassau County Food Clinic, which graciously accepted his contribution.

Frank Colón Jr., commander of American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre, commended Testa for his support to help veterans in need.

“He did a great job,” Colón said. “Anytime young people can do things for veterans, the post supports them 100 percent.”

Testa is no stranger to community service either. He is a student ambassador for Birthday Wishes, a nonprofit organization that provides birthday parties for homeless children living in shelters.

The organization was founded by three friends in Newton, Massachusetts in 2002 who organized a birthday party for a five-year-old boy at the Second Step Shelter after learning that neither his mother nor the shelter could afford to throw him a party.

Birthday Wishes currently serves children living in more than 200 family shelters and transitional living facilities across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Long Island.

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, more than 26,000 children between 1-17 will experience a birthday party this year.

Testa is one of the founders of the Birthday Wishes club at South Side High School, which raises funds through bake sales and collecting wrapping paper to help provide children with a sense of excitement and celebration on their special day.

According to Jonah’s mother, Mary Jane Testa, after spending the past year fundraising independently, he donated more than $4,000 in necessary items for Birthday Wishes.

And his involvement doesn’t stop there. He also volunteers at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Sharon’s Pantry, which helps provide food to any member of the community struggling to secure their next meal.

Named for its founder, Sharon Sheppard, the local food pantry was created at the start of the coronavirus pandemic to address a growing need in the community. Since the pantry opened in March 2020, the number of families it serves has grown exponentially from only 22 to more than 100.

Through his efforts, he has shown the kind of impact a motivated young individual can have on the greater community at-large.

Testa said he plans on continuing his fundraising efforts and hopes to inspire others to help contribute and support our nation’s veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country.