Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 20
Value of Time Served: $169
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Girls Lacrosse
School: Westhampton Beach Senior High School
Date: December 13, 2023
Location:
Westhampton Beach Senior High School
Lilac Road, Westhampton Beach
NY
About:
Last year on a special Christmas Eve at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care, an incredible gift arrived in the form of three compassionate young ladies, accompanied by their parents. Ella Carriero, Katie Lanning, and Ava Calamita, all students from Westhampton Beach High School, had formed a deep bond with a patient who had sadly passed away at the Kanas Center. In a touching gesture of goodwill, these remarkable teenagers decided to make a difference for other families facing similar challenges during the holiday season.
This will be the third consecutive year, Ella, Katie, and Ava embark on this heartwarming mission. They rallied the support of ten friends and their High School Lacrosse team. They will set off for Costco, where they will purchase an array of snacks to donate to the Kanas Center Family Pantry. This act of generosity not only touches the hearts of those at the hospice center but also serves as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and compassion.
A Tribute to a Dear Friend
Ella, Katie, and Ava’s connection with the Kanas Center ran deep. During their visits to their ailing friend, they often found solace in the Family Kitchen, sharing moments of laughter and camaraderie over snacks. These simple pleasures provided a sense of comfort during challenging times.
Recognizing the importance of these moments and the role that snacks played in brightening their friend’s days, the girls decided to pay it forward. Their thoughtful donation of snacks for other families visiting their loved ones at the Kanas Center was not just an act of kindness; it was a heartfelt tribute to the memory of their dear friend. It was their way of ensuring that others could find comfort and connection during difficult times, just as they had.
In a world often marked by busyness, the selflessness and empathy demonstrated by Ella Carriero, Katie Lanning, and Ava Calamita serve as a heartwarming reminder of the power of compassion and friendship. Their annual tradition of donating snacks to the Kanas Center for Hospice Care not only honors the memory of their cherished friend but also spreads warmth and comfort to countless others facing challenging circumstances.
As we reflect on their touching gesture, let it inspire us all to find ways to bring joy and solace to those in need, especially during the holiday season when the gift of kindness shines brightest.