The HCT’s “Valentines for Veterans” program was born out of HCT’s participation in NYSUT’s LAP (Local Action Program) and is one of the most special Member Engagement (ME) Committee events. On February 4, 2015 twenty-six HCT volunteers assembled at the NYSUT office in Woodbury to put together 100 gift bags for veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center. Committee members contacted the VA center for suggestions for wish list items for veterans gift bags. Giving back to the community is important to the Hicksville Congress of Teachers. Many of our members have served their country or have had family members in the service so we chose to express our appreciation to our veterans for their courage and commitment to our country.
On February 11, 2015 the HCT hosted a reception in our office before the bags were delivered, to honor our members who have served our country, including Eddie Cuevas (East Street), Tom DePalo (Middle School), Bob Mosz (High School), and Phil Moyshoyannis (Lee Avenue). Also present was Hicksville Interim Superintendent Dr. Carl Bonuso, and HCT retirees Michael Dalvano, Dawn Lam and husband Dave (also a veteran),Ginny McLaughlin, Maureen Murray, and Mary Stea As they spent time sharing stories of the meaningful work they have done both in the classroom and while serving their country, they were presented with a gift card to Starbucks and Valentine’s Day candy, small tokens of appreciation from the HCT. After the reception the retirees delivered the gift bags to Northport VA Medical Center as our active members returned to their classrooms.
