Several community groups in the Massapequas, including the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas, the Massapequa Kiwanis, and YES Community Counseling Center, have recently stepped forward to lend their support to families affected by the World Trade Center tragedy.

The Massapequa World Trade Center Fund was established by the Chamber of Commerce to help families of fellow Massapequans who were victims of this attack. "Families of the victims may have insurance claims and things of that nature, but money doesn't always come lickety-split," explained Gary Slavin. "We want to raise money from the business community and from residents of the community to help these people out."

The chamber has set up a separate bank account for this fund, and is in the process of organizing a separate board to determine how the funds are disbursed. Those wishing to contribute to the fund can write a check to the Massapequa World Trade Center Fund and send it to the Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 1912, Massapequa.

The Massapequa Kiwanis, using their IRS approved foundation status, has also set up a World Trade Center Victims Relief Fund to help local families, including New York City Police and Firemen.

Community groups such as the Interfaith Council, Youth Environmental Services, and fire departments in the area will identify the needs of local families, and the Kiwanis will see to the distribution of funds. A committee was established for this end, with former Village of Massapequa Park Mayor George Nussbaum, a prominent Kiwanian, as its chairman. For more information about the World Trade Center Victims Relief Fund call 799-5005. All contributions are tax deductible.

Finally, as the only funded and licensed community-based organization serving the Massapequas and Plainedge, the trained and certified practitioners of YES Community Counseling Center are available to respond to the needs of residents. Community members are encouraged to call YES, whether with a simple question, or if in need of immediate or ongoing assistance.

Services available at YES Community Counseling Center include crisis intervention and support for children, adults and families; supportive counseling for those affected by the tragedy; grief counseling for individuals and families; bereavement support groups; and information and education including accessing need resources. For more information call 799-3203.