Oyster Bay Teen Recognized For Volunteer Efforts During Pandemic

OYSTER BAY, NY — A Portledge School sophomore was recently recognized by local elected officials for his volunteer efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board presented an official citation to James Bodian, who assembled hundreds of sanitation kits for distribution to Long Island homeless shelters.

The Oyster Bay resident also donated all proceeds he earned from recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans to the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich. According to Town officials, the funds enabled the Club to purchase new software and games for its members.

"The good deeds of others, like James, are the foundation of a healthy community," Saladino said at a July 13 Town board meeting. "You're a role model ... not just (for) young people, but for all of us. And we all should be following the wonderful example that you set."

A Town citation is among the highest honors that elected officials can bestow on an individual.

"At the beginning, I didn't think I would be doing much for the community," Bodian said. "But after everything I did, and seeing all the positive feedback and hearing about all the lives that I changed, it has made me feel so much better to realize that, and I would do anything to help."