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A memory blossoms into generosity In 2023, Gallart formalized his annual tradition into the of the Merrick Herald nonprofit organization dedicated to his daughter, Desirae GalJoseph Gallart, one of Mer- lart, who died in 2010 at the age rick’s most prolific altruists, of 24. During that year, Gallart has laid out the plans for the collected 6,600 toys, which set a third annual Desirae’s Darlings new record. That milestone was toy drive to bring holiday spirit surpassed in 2024, with over to those in need. 9,300 donations — in total, GalFor almost a decade, Joe Gal- lart collected and distributed lart’s holiday season mission 26,000 toys. has been clear: to ensure that “I can’t imagine what it’s no child goes withlike to get on a holiout a gift to unwrap. day and not have a Most of Gallart’s toy as a child,” he donations are given said. “My goal is to to the national nons e e t h at d o e s n’ t profit Toys for Tots happen to kids. And or organizations in I think that it’s the Nassau County best way that I can such as Cohen Chilpreserve my daughdren’s Medical Center’s memory.” MARCElo GAllINA ter. Gina Bennicasa, His passion for Joseph Gallart’s Gallart’s wife, comc o l l e c t i n g t o y s friend mended his leaderbegan in 2016 and ship in the commuhas grown each year since. In nity. 2017, he wound up with around “He puts so much heart and 150 toys. soul into this — I was so blown “In 2022, we delivered 5,000 away and impressed with the toys,” Gallart said. “I decided, coordination that he had with you know what? I’m going to this huge group,” Bennicasa form this charitable organiza- said. “He works tirelessly. He’s tion, in my daughter’s name so passionate about it.” and memory, and going forward Bennicasa said Desirae we’ll collect toys each year, and would be tremendously proud we’ll do it for Desirae’s Dar- of her father for what the charilings.” ConTinued on page 15
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo & JoRDAN VAlloNE
I
courtesy of Janine Bizelia
Mepham girls’ varsity soccer coach Janine Bizelia, second from left, and assistant coach Taylor Hayes, right, created the fundraiser game four years ago.
Kickin’ it for cancer research
Mepham soccer programs honor sick classmates By ISABEllA PlANTE Intern
The Wellington C. Mepham High School girls’ varsity soccer team hosted its annual Pediatric Cancer Awareness game Sept. 19, with the boys’ varsity team following Sept. 30. The tradition began four years ago with sisters Camryn and Cayden Volpe, who formerly played for Mepham’s soccer team. Their efforts launched what has become a meaningful community fundraiser, inspired by their family’s own connection to the cause. Carson Volpe, a sophomore at Mepham, is battling pediatric cancer, and the game has been held in honor of the Volpe family for
the past three years. Both Volpe sisters have graduated, but the team has kept the fundraiser alive. This year, the event carried a deeper meaning. Senior Joseph Maroney, a member of Mepham’s lacrosse team, recently experienced a relapse in his cancer battle. As a result, the fundraiser was dedicated to supporting both the Volpe and Maroney families, bringing together teammates, families, the community, and the school. Girls’ soccer coach Janine Bizelia said the cause is close to her heart because of the relationships she has built with her students and their families. Along with assistant coach Taylor Hayes, who also teaches physical education and health, the two created the ConTinued on page 12
n this little circle of the world, he is a giant.