7 Heart-Warming Stories of 2012

As we enter the final week of 2012, Patch is taking a look back at the top stories of 2012. We kick off our Year in Review with a look at those heart-warming stories that show the charitable kindness and community spirit of Commack. 

*Tree Expert Thanks Commack For Hospitality During Sandy Cleanup
One Georgia contractor is reaching out this Thanksgiving to give thanks to Commack residents, who offered him so much while suffering the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Commack resident Ed Monahan opened his mailbox to find an envelope postmarked from Waverly, GA from a name he didn't recognize earlier this week. Inside, was a single-page, handwritten letter from Brittian Flowers, an employee of Asplundh Tree Expert Company, that had been on Long Island until Nov. 13.

Middle Schooler Donates iPads to Commack Developmental Preschool
When her younger brother was diagnosed with autism last year, Nova Shek quickly became his biggest supporter. 

So when the sixth grader at CandlewoodMiddle School noticed that 4-year-old Zen's classmates at Building Blocks Developmental Preschool in Commack were sharing just a few iPads, which have become an integral tool in helping children with autism communicate, she took action. 

* Commack Students Bring Fun to UCP's Children Center
A group of Commack High School students hard efforts are being rewarded with smiles and joyful laughter. 

The "Real Problems, Real Solutions Team" at Commack High School built one-of-a-kind playthings for the children of United Cerebral Palsy's Children Center in Commack. 

*St. Baldrick's Raises More Thank $60K
Commack residents willing to prove bald is beautiful raised more than $60,000 at Commack High School's third annual St. Baldrick's Day fundraiser on March 16.  

More than 300 Commack students, teachers, staff members and community residents were willing to shave their heads to show their support for the St. Baldrick's foundation.
 

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A Commack dancer's Dance-A-Thon fundraiser raised more than $3,000 for a Long-Island-based charity helping disabled youth. 

Chelsea Strickland, 13, raised $3,000 for the Theresa Foundation through her bat mitvah project, the "Be a Dance Angel" Dance-A-Thonat Temple Beth El on July 15. 

*Commack Firefighters Deliver Thanskgiving Meal to Soldier's Family
Commack firefighters dropped in on one Kings Park family on Thanksgiving Day with an unexpected gift.  

*Yankees Surprise Former Commack Resident on HOPE Week
A former Commack resident was surprised when three New York Yankee players showed up to support her charity with a $10,000 check in tow.