Port Provides, Powered by TNC

I’m Stella Spanakos and I’m Nicole Ferrara. We are mothers of adult children with Autism. Together, we created The Nicholas Center, a place where our kids – and 125 other young adults with Autism – become integral members of our community by working on volunteer projects. We have just started our most important project ever! Our participants are collecting and donating food and other necessities for 1,400 low-income Port Washington residents who could not otherwise afford these essential items.

This program, called Port Provides Powered by The Nicholas Center, was started by The Community Chest of Port Washington over two years ago to get these residents through the COVID crisis. Together, Community Chest and The Nicholas Center ordered and delivered meat, diapers, and other necessities to 5 local food pantries and children’s relief organizations. The need is still so great that we have taken over this project from the Community Chest and turned it into a permanent program.

To make this a success, we need your help! Every month, we buy:

• Meat
• Diapers in all sizes
• Wipes
• Soap
• Laundry detergent
• Dishwashing liquid
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Sanitary napkins and tampons
• Paper towels

Although Port Provides has some items donated, they purchase a good deal of the products needed, with costs running at approximately $25,000 a month.

“We ask the community’s help to keep this program going, '' says Ms. Sugrue. “You can donate goods or help us fund our purchase of goods via a GoFundMe Campaign at: Port Provides, Powered by The Nicholas Center. We also welcome mitzvah projects, food drives, and other community efforts to support this work. Please contact Brooke Mellet at 516-767 7177 ext. 412 to arrange deliveries of goods or to make donations other than through the GoFundMe Campaign.

50 Nicholas Center volunteers (and their aides) order, sort, package, and deliver these goods to our participating pantries. They are excited and proud to help their neighbors in this meaningful way. But, the expenses to keep this work going are tremendous. Without your help, we will not be able to continue. Please help us help Port Washington. Every dollar you contribute is fully tax-deductible and will directly go to purchase and deliver the supplies.No family should experience hunger or worry whether they will have enough diapers for their babies. Every dollar will make a difference.We also welcome donations of these items through mitzvah projects, scouting group collections, and the like. The 1,400 Port Washington residents who rely on these deliveries and The Nicholas Center participants who work hard to supply them thank you and appreciate your kindness.

With sincere thanks,

Stella Spanakos and Nicole Ferrara

Co-Founders, The Nicholas Center