Phil's Manhasset Sports Shop may have closed, but not before engaging in a very large donation of new and unused sporting equipment to needy children.

When he read about Phil's closure in these pages, Dennis Klainberg of Berklay Cargo Services, a longtime Manhasset native and Rotarian at JFK, contacted Phil and Andy Ruggiero, father and son, on the matter of donating a few unsold items to JFK Carlton House, a Salvation Army homeless shelter near JFK with over 700 children. As Dennis reports, "Just weeks ago, our Rotary Club 'adopted' the Carlton House, and their primary wish list was simply a basketball hoop and a few balls."

Perhaps not surprisingly, Phil and Andy decided to donate a lot more. Hundreds of perfectly new and unused items, including uniforms, jackets, footwear, bats, helmets--and yes, a basketball hoop, a few balls, and a pole!-- were offered.

"I was a bit taken aback," said Mr. Klainberg, "but I really wasn't shocked. Phil and Andy have a history of generosity to Manhasset and its children. In fact, very few people know that Phil is one of Manhasset High's original SILVER M honor society members!"

After a call to arms, the Manhasset Rotary Club's Tom Gibson and President Don Zebarini, along with District Governor Kathy Gibson, Governor's Aide, Bill Jacobs, joined Dennis and his shipping company's truck at the Sports Shop to help with the send-off, and thank the Ruggiero's for their philanthropy. With the able support of Assistant Governor Rudy Auslander, and Past Presidents Judy Serraino, Brian Early, and Don Matera, current JFK Rotary President BJ Duffy of North Fork Bank and his Rotarians were on hand to oversee the delivery to the Salvation Army at JFK.

Motivated by the good work of active Rotarians Don Dewitt and Rob Donno, and in the spirit of former super Rotarian Tony Zino, Dennis was satisfied that he was helpful in turning a tragedy into a success story. "Phil and Andy have been true pillars of our community, serving all Manhasset residents with the kind of hometown personalized attention that will be sorely missed. Happily, there are 700 needy children with new coats, uniforms, football helmets, and other sporting equipment just in time for the holidays."