East Meadow Resident Helps Families Displaced by Hempstead Fire

Andrew "Mookie" Alderman of East Meadow recently helped families that were devastated by a Hempstead fire that killed two people and displaced more than 200 residents.

Alderman's mother was contacted by the president of the Board of Directors of Hempstead Hispanic Association about assisting families that were affected by the fire.

Alderman, a student going for his Master's Degree in Special Education, thought of the students he encountered during his teaching and observation requirements at the Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School in Hempstead and swung into action.  He obtained a Bachelor's Degree of Science and minored in Health at Aldephi University.

Alderman contacted his family and friends who gave a great amount of donations.

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On Feb. 22, he met with the Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association and dropped off boxes of clothing, assorted footwear, toiletries, baby and infant items and more.

Alderman said that giving back is important.

"It is more than just relating the 3 R's and gym," he said. "It is getting involved and supporting the kids and their community. It is about being a positive role model and in being someone that the children can look up to and relate to on many different levels."