East Rockaway Resident Melissa Van Wickler Honored by Town of Hempstead

Shortly after Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Rockaway community, Melissa Van Wickler started a Facebook page called “Paying it Forward in East Rockaway." This site served as a lifeline for the neighborhood and it became a place where people with items to spare could donate, and those who lost everything could find furniture, food, blankets, etc. 

For her efforts, Van Wickler was recently honored by the Town of Hempstead in the 17th Annual Make A Difference Awards ceremony.

“Every year we gather to honor the unsung heroes who strive to improve their communities and help their fellow citizens,” said Town Supervisor Kate Murray. “You will not find these people in the tabloids or on television. In fact, these honorees could be one of your neighbors, co-workers, or even a local landscaper with a green thumb and a heart of gold.”

Melissa also organized a “Pay it Forward” event where East Rockaway residents could go to the local recreation center and “shop” for donated clothing, food, appliances and furniture. 

When Melissa discovered that a neighbor was living in a FEMA hotel, she personally donated a fully stocked RV so the neighbor could live on her own property enjoying many comforts of home.

 Another example of Melissa’s generosity was her effort to help a boy’s hockey team at Bay Park that lost all their equipment. Melissa also began “Operation Clean Up with a Smile.” She obtained lawn mowers and weed- whackers, and then organized volunteers to clean up and cut the lawns of properties that were still uninhabitable after the storm. 

She also celebrated each time a neighbor was able to return home, delivering “welcome home baskets of cheer.” 

“Our award recipients make our lives better every day and stepped up when people needed help most in the wake of Sandy,” Murray said. “There are times when good deeds go unnoticed. But, whether it’s an ordinary day or a period of extreme need, the time is almost always right for a good deed.”