Organizers are gearing up for the 12th Annual "Massapequa Cares Day," a charitable event which is unique to the Massapequas and benefits Long Island's veterans.

Through the program, which is set for April 1, volunteers give the patients at the U.S. Veterans Hospital in Northport food, entertainment and new clothing - such as slippers, bathrobes, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and socks. It is supported solely by the community members of the Massapequas.

According to Mary O'Sullivan, head of voluntary services at the hospital, there are only a handful of charitable programs which benefit the veterans to such a large extent. "This is a special highlight that the patients look forward to in the beginning of spring every year," she said.

"It's rare that a community gets together and adopts the facility. And it's wonderful. We appreciate it very much." There are over 300 veterans of our nation's armed forces at the institution.

The day is organized by the Greater Massapequa Day Committee, headed by Tom Banks, past commandant, Department New York Marine Corps League. Local veterans organizations and the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park have traditionally provided much legwork for the program.

Banks noted that he knows the hospitalized veterans are uplifted by the event, especially because so many of them are so lonely. For example, he said, many of the long-term care patients, which includes psychiatric and drug rehabilitation patients, don't receive frequent visits. "I go out there Christmas morning, and their families have even forgotten they're there," he said. Commenting on the veterans' response to the entertainment and gifts, he said, "I think deep down, they like to be remembered."

The entertainment will feature the Division 15 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians' Tara Pipe Band, the Massapequa High School Jazz Ensemble, and a singing group, which has not yet been chosen.

Massapequa Cares Day will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, with a bus to transport local volunteers to the hospital set to depart Town Hall South in Massapequa on Hicksville Road in Massapequa at 2 p.m.

Financial contributions are still being sought for this year's program, for the purchase of the clothing items. Those who wish to contribute may send their donation to Massapequa Cares, P.O. Box 394, Massapequa, NY 11758. For further information, one may call Village Hall at 798-0244, extension 11.