Friday, November 7, 2025
Village officials and members of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce are once again joining forces to support local war veterans through a community toiletry drive.
Now in its second year, the initiative runs until Nov. 14, and aims to collect basic personal-care items for veterans in need.
George Catalanotto, a Vietnam War veteran and member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790, said “two thoughts come to mind seeing the toiletry drive take place. My first thought is the obvious: Some veterans who may be down on their luck or in need at this time will be getting basic items that will help them feel good about themselves.
“My second thought is that these veterans will once again feel appreciated and that is very special for all vets,” Catalanotto, also a member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 145, added.
Donations are being accepted at collection bins in multiple publicly accessible locations, including the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, Village Hall and the Valley Stream Pool lobby. The effort officially began on Oct. 22 with a kickoff event at Wheeler Avenue Elementary School.
The Chamber of Commerce first spearheaded the drive in 2024 when it identified that area veterans were in desperate need of these essential items, and village officials agreed that it was important to assist in the effort.
The Disabled American Veterans helped establish the initiative’s focus after information was shared about veterans lacking basic hygiene necessities. The village then joined in the collaboration, and the chamber coordinated with neighborhood schools, including Memorial Junior High School, Central High School, Wheeler Avenue Elementary School and William L. Buck School. Students from the Youth Leadership Club helped sort donations before they were distributed to veterans.
“I know I speak for our entire village board, our village workforce and the entire Valley Stream community when I say that we simply cannot do enough to support our veterans and show them the well-deserved love, respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifice,” Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare said. “By involving our school children, we are setting an important example. Caring for others and respecting our veterans are honorable values to instill in our youth.”
In the future, the chamber will aim for an even wider community reach, and the business group has also included an Amazon wish list with this year’s drive to help increase accessibility and convenience for donors.
Requested items include soap, liquid soap, lotion, deodorant, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes and men’s and women’s socks. Organizers note that items should be full-size and fragrance-free or unscented to meet the needs of the intended recipients.
The drive supports veterans through partnerships with the Disabled American Veterans and VFW Post 1790. Donations help supply stand-down events, where veterans are provided with necessities. Items that are not distributed there will be delivered to veterans’ residences and care facilities, including locations in East Northport and Queens, ensuring assistance reaches both men and women who have served.
The village has emphasized that the drive calls attention to needs that may otherwise go unseen. Organizers hope the collection serves as a reminder that support for veterans should remain a visible and ongoing commitment.
Chamber organizers have shared that the inspiration behind the drive is grounded in concern for those who have served in the military and experienced hardships.
“It’s so sad that these people have fought for our country, and they have given up so much to protect us and keep us free, and they don’t have soap, basic necessities,” chamber member Lauri LoQuercio said. “It’s heart-wrenching, absolutely heart-wrenching.”
The village hopes that the drive will help residents stay aware of the circumstances many veterans face.
Last year’s effort produced large quantities of donated items, and feedback from veterans was described as appreciative and enthusiastic. That response encouraged the chamber and village to expand the initiative this year, with the intention of making the toiletry drive an annual event.
