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Vol. 89 No. 39

SEPTEMBER 19 - 25, 2024

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Pantry in dire need of help to meet need T he numbers speak for themselves. In August alone, the Freeport location served The Long Island Cares Free- over 6,000 people. “That’s a lot port food pantry, of ficially of people, and we’re only able known as the Nassau Center to serve those people and give for Collaborative Assistance, is them choice and access to nutritious food f a c i n g a s eve r e because we have shortage of volunvolunteer support,” teers as the holiday Rosati explained. season approaches. With only 313 of With an expect357 volunteer shifts ed surg e in the filled for Septemnumber of families ber and October, seeking help, the however, the Freepantry is calling on port facility is facthe community to ing a shortage of step up and help help as demand is feed those in need. JESSIcA RoSATI expected to peak. Jessica Rosati, Vice president Rosati noted that Long Island Cares’ for programs and the second-busiest vice president for community services, Long Island Cares programs and comLong Island Cares pantry, in Lindenmunity services, hurst, is in an even emphasized the more dire situacrucial role volunteers play in keeping the pantry’s services tion, with 176 shifts still running smoothly. “There’s an u n f i l l e d . F r e e p o r t a l o n e increased need for food assis- accounts for 39 percent of the tance,” Rosati said. “And as we organization’s total food distriapproach the holiday season, bution, helping over 6,700 peowe all anticipate that need to ple in July and has served nearrise a little bit more. Volunteers ly twice as many meals as Linare really the success behind denhurst from January to our programs. They’re the rea- August of this year — 61,000 in son — the sole reason — why compared with 32,000. Rosati highlighted the wide we’re able to fulfill our mission and serve this increased need.” Continued on page 14

By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ

mrafiq@liherald.com

Courtesy Freeport Public Schools

Jimmy Jones says he cherishes the connections he’s made during a life dedicated to football.

New Freeport football coach says ‘play without any fear’ By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

A new yet familiar face has taken the helm of the Freeport High School football program — Coach Jimmy Jones, a lifelong Freeport resident who once donned the Red Devils’ jersey himself. Appointed as head coach in March, Jones stepped into the shoes of the now retired longtime Coach Russ Cellan who is credited with shaping the program and Jones’ outlook on football and life. Jones, who played for the legendary coach during the then student’s tenure at Freeport High School in the early nineties, said it was an honor to take the reins from him. “Taking over for Coach Cellan after playing for him, it’s kind of a storybook-type sit-

uation,” Jones said. “After being a part of the program for the past 25 years as (an assistant) coach, it’s kind of storybook.” But Jones said he is not resting on past glories, and his focus remains clear. “The expectation is always try to win Long Island championship, so that hasn’t changed,” he said. “In terms of what I’m looking for for the season, it’s just kind of continued success teaching these young men how to become responsible adults and to take the opportunity of playing football and help it maximize their potential of going to college, becoming great community members, and just show them the importance of being a role model.” Jones’ connection to Freeport football runs deep — he played for the Red Devils Continued on page 4

olunteers are really the success behind our programs.