Year In Review: 10 Best Long Island Charity Stories Of 2024

LONG ISLAND, NY — Local charities are the unsung heroes of our communities. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations strive to create lasting change and positively impact the lives of those around them.

Here are 10 Long Island charity stories that particularly grabbed the attention of Patch readers in 2024:

Ralph Macchio Wants To 'Give Back To LI,' Attends Breast Cancer Gala; Talks New Film

Ralph Macchio, a Long Island son, grew up in front of the eyes of many on an international scale when he starred in movies like "The Karate Kid," "The Outsiders" and "My Cousin Vinny." Macchio, now 62, said he wants to "give back" after gleaning inspiration from a breast cancer scare he and his wife, Phyllis Fierro, endured. Read more.

'Disheartening': LI Parents, Experts Demand More Pediatric Cancer Research Funding

Research into common childhood cancers receive approximately 4 percent of the National Institutes of Health's federal $47.1 billion budget — and Long Island cancer charity founders and medical professionals are calling for more. Read more.

'Best Day Ever': Girl With Cancer Meets Taylor Swift's Mom At Concert Thanks To LI Charity

Aubrey Hutson's dream came true when she not only attended a Taylor Swift concert while battling cancer, but she also got to meet Swift's mother at the Oct. 18 The Eras Tour concert in Miami. Read more.

LI's Olivia Hope Foundation Raises $230K Against Cancer At 2024 Evening Of Hope

Olivia Hope Foundation raised $230K to support pediatric cancer research and patients at its fifth annual "Evening of Hope" gala held May 10 at The Garden City Hotel. Read more.

Kait's Angels Keeps Legacy Of Daughter, Lost Too Soon, Alive With Love

It has been 10 years since Kaitlyn Doorhy, a past Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen, died tragically while away at college. She was just 20 years old. Read more.

Northport's The Chloe Belle Foundation Donates $1.5K For Childhood Cancer Patients' Joy

Children fighting cancer at three New York City hospitals are about to be brought a lot of joy — some of it warm and furry — thanks to a partnership between The Chloe Belle Foundation and Blue Line Deli. Read more.

LI Opens Hearts For Wife, Baby Of Officer Killed: 'More Than A Hero'

Beyond the headlines and stories that have blanketed New York City and Long Island since NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller was killed Monday after getting shot while on duty in Far Rockaway — there is the heartbreaking reality of the very young family that he left behind. Read more.

$43K Raised For Food Insecurity At Concert For Long Island Cares

Will Sing for Food, a musical group that performs charity concerts to fight food insecurity, helped raise more than $42K for Long Island Cares and its Harry Chapin Food Bank at a benefit concert in Farmingdale held Sunday, a Long Island Cares spokesman said. Read more.

Luke's Purpose Of LI Receives $50K Grant From Lola Jayne Foundation

Luke's Purpose of Commack received a $50K grant from The Lola Jayne Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting charities that help grieving families, the charities stated. Read more.

Scout Killed By Drunk Driver To Receive Diploma: 'Tsunami Of Emotion'

If only. If only things had been different, the McMorris family would be eagerly preparing for the Shoreham-Wading River High School graduation Friday. They would be discussing college plans and laughing over shared memories — smiling proudly over accomplishments and milestones. Read more.