Video, Photos: Camp Bulldog Packs up for the Last Time

The Spring sun was shining on Camp Bulldog on Sunday, April 28, as the day drew to a close and the grassroots volunteer effort - started modestly on the side of South Wellwood Avenue the day after Hurricane Sandy to help those devastated by the October 29 superstorm - packed up for good.

Hundreds turned out to thank the volunteers of Camp Bulldog and be part of the closing ceremony that took place almost six months to the fateful day Sandy hit.

Camp Bulldog’s Impact
The day after Sandy hit, Robin DiGiacomo and her husband Morris Hartman - looking to lend a hand, a shoulder to cry on and something to eat to devastated neighbors and strangers alike - set up a table, a couple of Sternos and some hot soup on Wellwood.

Their modest effort blossomed into Camp Bulldog, which soon moved from Wellwood to Shore Road Park.

Andrea Curran, followed by Corinna Reyes and Bruce Casagrande, soon joined DiGiacomo and Hartman’s effort.

And together - along with countless others, some of whom lost everything themselves - they organized the countless clothing, cleaning supply, toiletry, laundry, linen and food donations, as well as the flow of disaster information, that came pouring in from near and far.

Reyes worked with Lindenhurst Rotary President Jackie Milton, Rotary Vice President Phil Renna and Secretary Karen Golden to start the Beautification after Sandy effort that’ll soon wrap up, according to Curran.

Joanne Milito - a Lindy resident, a social worker and a Sandy victim - also joined the effort, helping fellow residents and victims deal with the devastation.

She started a six-week support group that’ll continue to meet 7 p.m. on Wednesday nights for the next three weeks at Harding Avenue Elementary School, according to Milito and Curran.

Camp Bulldog soon became a symbol of the best of Lindy Pride, help and hope after the storm, community spirit in the face of adversity and giving selflessly in the time of dire need.

‘Never Feel Alone’
Curran spoke on behalf of Camp Bulldog on Sunday, thanking everyone for the help and support that came from all over.

And it did, from local businesses and churches like OLPH to local charities like Island Harvest and Long Island Cares, and from government officials like Florence Finley of the Town of Babylon and Lindy Village Deputy Mayor Kevin McCaffrey, both of whom acted as liaisons and secured help as they needed it, and Town Councilman and Deer Park and FDNY firefighter Tom Donnelly, who secured the insulated FDNY tent, to volunteers who came from out of state, from all over Long Island, from nearby devastated South Shore communities and from right here in Lindy.

It even received $10,000 from Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo in January, and help from hometown son Dan Lauria in December.

“Sandy was a life-changing event, and we pray that it never, ever happens again. I know we’ll all move forward after Camp Bulldog, but you should never feel alone. It’s been an honor to be here to help. We’ll been thinking and praying for all of you,” Curran said.

Accolades and Gratitude
And on Sunday residents, Sandy victims and officials from the Village, Town, Suffolk County and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office all thanked the volunteers for their tireless efforts and their ability to help so many in Lindy and Babylon Town in their time of need.

“When people needed it the most, they provided comfort and inspired hope,” said County Executive Steve Bellone.

“I’ve never been so proud of Lindenhurst,” said Suffolk DPO Wayne Horsley.

“They provided shelter from the storm. They became a relief center, organizing donations and aid like NYLAG’s free legal help van and NSLIJ’s free mobile health care van. They took to social media (Lindenhurst after Hurricane Sandy) to update people and get the word out. Everyone from the ASPCA to the Salvation Army has come here - all organized by Camp Bulldog. They helped Lindenhurst become a shining star in the recovery effort,” said McCaffrey, who presented a Village proclamation to Curran for the Camp’s myriad efforts.

And to thunderous applause McCaffrey told her and the crowd the Village will be marking Camp Bulldog’s location with a permanent dedication.

Supervisor Rich Schaffer followed suit, echoing the gratitude and accolades, and presenting Curran, Reyes and DiGiacomo with a proclamation honoring them and making April 29 their day.

He also asked everyone “to keep the spirit of Camp Bulldog alive year-round in honor of these three ladies. That’s a fitting tribute.”

Musical Tribute
The Albany Avenue Elementary School fourth- and fifth-grade chorus led by teacher Fabian Reyes closed the ceremony with a rendition of Here Comes the Sun, and Hang On, which was written by Reyes last Fall and recently performed at the March 20 Lindenhurst Board of Education Community Forum.

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters | Blogging | Boards | Announcements | Events