South Huntington Hosting Car Show For Northport VA Veterans

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — Walt Whitman High School is helping to host the Operation Enduring Care Benefit Car Show on Sunday for veterans in the Northport VA, the South Huntington School District announced.

The Veterans Day weekend event is hosted by the Centurion Cruisers Car Club and American Legion Post 1244 Greenlawn. The car show will be held rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walt Whitman High School, at 301 West Hills Road, Huntington Station.

The event raises money and collects donations of hygiene items, clothing, and other comfort items to the veteran residents of the community living centers and veteran shelter of the Northport VA, now being run by United Beacon House.

There is a $20 donation requested for car show entries and there will be Superintendent’s Choice, Principal’s Choice and Veteran’s Choice awards presented.

There is no admission charge for spectators but organizers would be grateful for donations of cash, gift cards and men’s and women’s personal hygiene products including shaving cream, razors, deodorant and toothpaste, according to the district. Other options include bedding and bath items including socks, gloves, t-shirts, new bath towels, washcloths, and new twin and full size bedding.

Operation Enduring Care was founded in 2009 by American Legion Post 1244 member Al Statton and his wife, Connie. He founded the organization after being treated at the Northport VA for his first cancer diagnosis and learning of the struggles of outpatient and transitional veterans being served there. Post 1244 first partnered with him in 2016, and it has become a key mission of the Post since then.

"Sadly, Al Statton lost his long battle with cancer and passed away last Sunday but Operation Enduring Care will continue in his honor," the district wrote.

The benefit car show is put on by the Centurion Cruisers Car Club, and this is its third year (second at Whitman). The first was a donation drop at the rest stop on the L.I.E. in 2021, and it was "quite successful," the district wrote.

"They hope to add to that success in the name of helping veterans again this year."