Commack High School Winter Clothing Drive Exceeds Expectations Thanks to Francesco D.’s Leadership

This winter, Commack High School junior Francesco D. showed exceptional leadership and dedication when he took charge of organizing a winter clothing drive for the Suffolk County Department of Social Services. Initially expecting around 40 bags of clothing donations, Francesco was astounded by the generosity of the Commack community, which more than tripled his expectations.

Francesco, a member of the Italian Honor Society and varsity wrestler, took it upon himself to coordinate the drive after the department reached out for assistance. His efforts resulted in a massive collection of winter clothing for those in need. On Thursday afternoon, officials from the Department of Social Services, including commissioner John E. Imhof, visited CHS to collect the donated items, with Francesco and Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox helping to load the items into their vehicle.

Francesco’s initiative made a significant impact on the success of the clothing drive, and CHS Vice Principal Matt Keltos praised Francesco for his leadership, saying, “He took the reins.”

This heartwarming story highlights the power of community and the difference one person can make. Congratulations to Francesco and the entire Commack High School community for their incredible generosity this holiday season!

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Link to teh Newsday Article: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/francesco-dileo-commack-o4998n9d

Francesco Delio is helping residents in need make it through the winter chill.

The Commack High School junior recently spearheaded a two-week winter clothing drive that collected enough new and gently used items — from scarves to socks — to fill approximately 160 large garbage bags for underprivileged people across Suffolk County. That’s four times his original goal of 40 bags, he said.

The assortment went to the Suffolk County Department of Social Services, which had put out a request to the Commack school district for assistance in collecting clothing, according to Delio.

“I was very excited and shocked that we were able to collect that much clothing,” he said. “Everyone wanted to help. The Commack community is very strong and there is a strong sense of belonging.”

To promote the collection, Delio, 16, said he posted flyers throughout his school and arranged for daily announcements to be made over the loudspeaker during the December clothing drive. He also received donations through Facebook with the assistance of his parents and put out a request for clothing to his school’s varsity golf, hockey and wrestling teams — all of which he is a member.

The teen collected the items by stationing himself in the school’s lobby each morning and accepting donations from students and staff as they entered the building. Many of the bags were stored in vice principal Matt Keltos’ office until they were picked up by representatives of the county Department of Social Services, which is headed by commissioner John E. Imhof.

“Frankie’s a humble, bighearted young man with a generous spirit who inspired so many to get involved in his coat drive,” Imhof said in a statement. “As a result of his donations, the Suffolk County Department of Social Services has a larger supply of warm winter coats — as well as some hats, gloves and scarves — to distribute to needy adults and children at our centers and in our shelters.”

Keltos, meanwhile, said he was “in awe” of the amount of donations and praised Delio’s efforts.

“Francesco showed true leadership and really showed what his inner moral fiber is,” Keltos said. “I said to him in the end: ‘You’re going to do great things in life, because you have all the right tools.’ ”

Delio said he plans to host a winter clothing drive again next school year and is coordinating a drive to collect clothing, toiletries and other items to benefit local veterans this spring.