Last week, New York State Senator Carl Marcellino (5th S.D.) hosted a reception to thank those who committed their time and energy to serve areas affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Rita's devastation numerous residents traveled to aid the storm victims. Gulf Coast hurricane volunteers left their families and their homes to reach out to help their neighbors in need. Once there, these dedicated Long Islanders restored communities and helped rebuild lives. Others raised money and collected food or clothing. Individually and collectively, these volunteers have done something to make this a better place for someone else and by doing that, have made it a better place for us all," said Marcellino.

From the 5th S.D., 163 volunteers were recognized for their response to the Gulf Coast disaster. The volunteers worked in partnership with local faith congregations, government agencies, businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations. Others saw a need and went on their own to lend an outstretched hand.

"The men and women who volunteer their time, talent, energy and resources exemplify the best qualities of the hardworking and optimistic American spirit. I was thrilled to be able to acknowledge their generosity," concluded Marcellino.

The following individuals from Hicksville were recognized at Thursday's reception with a proclamation:

• Jean and Karl Acker, members of the Hicksville United Methodist Church, spent approximately three months on the Gulf side of the Mississippi helping with the demolition and construction of homes.

• Juan Adrover of Hicksville volunteered with the Humane Society of the United States, spending over a week helping with daily operation of caring for the animals in the kennels.

• Hicksville resident George Gabriel, a member of the New York City Fire Department, traveled to assist the New Orleans Fire Department during the height of the devastation.

• Anthony Wigdzinski, chairman of the Hicksville Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners. The Hicksville Fire District donated a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban on behalf of the entire Hicksville community to the Hurricane Katrina emergency relief effort, shipping the vehicle to Fire District #7 in St. Tammany Parish, LA.

• The Island Harvest Katrina Fund, which Hicksville residents Anthony Engelhart, Dean Losquardo, Michael Cattan, Rosa Cattan and Steve Cattan are members. Shortly after the scope of the hurricane's destruction became apparent, Island Harvest established a Katrina Fund to meet the challenge of providing food, grocery products and financial support to families struggling to come to terms with the hurricane's effect. Island Harvest pledged 100 percent of all contributions to the Katrina Fund directly to hurricane relief efforts. To facilitate the provision of local assistance in the Gulf Coast region, Island Harvest worked with many volunteers on Long Island.

• Michelle Lambo, a teacher at Hicksville High School, gave up a week of work to help the victims in Bay St. Louis, MS. She delivered food and medicine, mucked out and demolished houses as well as met with and consoled families.

• Susan Mowatt of Hicksville volunteered with the Humane Society of the United States, spending over a week helping with the daily operation of caring for the animals in the kennels.

• Hicksville resident Joe Oliveto, an officer with the New York City Police Department, volunteered to help patrol Harahan, Jefferson, Westwego, Saint Bernard Parish and the French Quarter in New Orleans. He aided victims in need and helped with the rescue of pets left behind. Joe also repaired trucks, cars and generators so that the rescue mission could continue.

• John Plonski from Hicksville volunteered in response to United Way of America's request to NYS AIRS for staffing the 2-1-1 Information and Referral center in Monroe, LA. He volunteered his 21 years of experience in Crisis Intervention and went down to help. Following Katrina, Governor Blanco announced that Louisiana citizens should call 2-1-1 to access services and assistance. Calls for help ran the gamut from people needing rescue from the flooded areas of New Orleans, to people looking for loved ones, to requests for ice, water, baby formula, food, and every other need in between. John's period of service was at the time Hurricane Rita came through. On that Friday, the remaining 2-1-1 centers in Louisiana, as well as those on the Texas coast were evacuated, and the Monroe call center became the place to call in the region for all needs from evacuation routes to basic needs.

• Manny Vaz of Hicksville, a physical education teacher, served with the US Coast Guard reserve in Mobile, AL and Houston, TX.