He 'Organized An Easter Bunny Drive Parade': Smithtown Local Hero

SMITHTOWN, NY — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

Matthew Kelly, of Smithtown, was nominated by two people: his grandmother, Rita Kelly, and his co-worker, Mayte Goyzueta.

Name:
Matthew Kelly

State:
NY

Hometown:
Smithtown

Hero's job:
Other

If other, job:
College student

Relationship to Rita Kelly:
Grandson

Relationship to Mayte Goyzueta:
He used to work with me

Rita Kelly's reason for recognizing Matthew:
This young man organized an Easter bunny drive parade through four towns in Suffolk County during the pandemic. Waving to hundreds of kids from the back of a pickup truck; making their holiday special.

Mayte Goyzueta's reason for recognizing Matthew:
Matt works for the Smithtown School District as a custodian and a technical director. During COVID-19, he went around town spreading cheer dressed up as a Easter bunny!! Matt is always there whenever someone needs him; people call him "MAYOR OF SMITHTOWN."

Rita Kelly's 'One thing to know':
He is caring, kind, warm-hearted, always there in a time of need.

Mayte Goyzueta's 'One thing to know':
"HE IS ALL ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE!"

Thank you for all you do, Matthew!

>> Do you have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across New York here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.