I spent nearly 25 years as an educator, often using my own money to buy school supplies, socks, hats & gloves for students in need. Giving back has always been part of who I am. After retiring, I wanted to continue helping others beyond the classroom. That search led me, in 2020, to meet Laura, who worked at a local restaurant, Bronx Burger House. When the restaurant struggled to stay open during the lockdown, she rallied the community to keep it afloat. She then turned that same energy into helping others. Her efforts grew into a nonprofit, supported by the community, volunteers, with a donated truck and community space. Seeing her transform hardship into service inspired me to expand my own community outreach.

Since then, I've devoted my time to volunteering with several community organizations. I volunteer at the Take It or Leave It Shed in Westchester County, where people donate gently used items such as bikes, clothes, books, toys, and kitchenware. Anyone can donate or take what they need. No paperwork, no questions, just neighbors helping neighbors.

Many of the organizations I work with support one another. Food donations go to the Friendly Refrigerator, which supports those facing food insecurity. Overflow items like books and clothes are shared with Prado of Transitioning Forward and The Free Store. This year, we collected coats for The Angel Work Foundation. We refer furniture donations to the Furniture Sharehouse, which donates furniture to families in need. Medical supplies are sent to the AFYA Foundation, and thanks to Suanne Mauro, we can support local animal shelters.

My mission is to strengthen collaboration among nonprofits. Many groups share the same goals but work separately, unaware of how much stronger we could be together. For instance, when Maria Prado has leftover food from her pantry, I deliver it to the Friendly Refrigerator, so nothing goes to waste.

My goal is simple: to keep connecting people and organizations so we can make a bigger difference!