Lionheart Gets Strong Community Support

The Lionheart Foundation’s fundraising efforts to help West Islip families most in need following Hurricane Sandy are already seeing positive results.

At the organization’s first formal meeting since the storm hit Long Island just prior to Halloween, Lionheart Executive Director John Mullins told volunteers gathered in the high school’s cafeteria that some $7,000 has been raised over the past week.

“We now need to see what else we can do to fundraise and find those families who are in need of help,” he said.

According to school district officials in attendance at Wednesday’s meeting, 31 families have been identified as needing assistance in the wake of Sandy. However, those involved with Lionheart feel there are more West Islip residents who need help but may be unsure of where to turn, may not have children attending school or may feel ashamed to ask for help.

Mullins noted that all requests for help and donations given are not made public.

To reach folks in need, several ideas were shared including an on-line survey, distribution of flyers to those areas in West Islip hardest hit and possibly erecting a sign along Montauk Highway near the public library.

On the fundraising side, Lionheart has already started selling long-sleeve T-shirts for $20, which can be purchased using an order form available on the school district’s website. All proceeds will benefit the organization.

Moving forward, the organization is now considering other fundraising events, but nothing has been decided as of now.

More information about Lionheart may be obtained on-line or through its Facebook page.