On March 14, ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, Senator Steve Rhoads brought together the community for his first-ever St. Patrick’s Day Food Drive—an initiative led as a community give-back project by Senator Rhoads’ student intern Nickolas Zgombic. Through Nickolas’ leadership and coordination, the drive collected well over 2,500 items of food, hygiene, and household necessities that supported both Island Harvest as well as the It’s All About The Kids Foundation. The event was held outside the ShopRite of Country Pointe in Old Bethpage, with volunteers including members of the Nassau County Police Explorers and the It’s All About The Kids Foundation.

“This food drive is a powerful reminder of what a community can accomplish when people come together with a shared purpose… We are incredibly grateful to every volunteer and donor who stepped forward to help ensure that local families have access to essential resources. Together, we continue proving that even small acts of generosity can create a lasting impact,” said Angelica Gomez, President of the It’s All About The Kids Foundation.

The food collected at the drive will go directly to Island Harvest, one of Long Island’s largest hunger-relief organizations, which helped coordinate the drive; as well as the Bellmore–Merrick Community Cupboard and will also be distributed to other local families in need served by It’s All About the Kids. 

“This whole event was a wonderful and amazing opportunity. Not only to support the communities in need but to be able to see just how many people are willing to show their support for others in times of need. I'm forever thankful to all the volunteers and donors who took the time out of their days to help show their support for the cause” said Nickolas Zgombic, current student Intern at Senator Steve Rhoads’ office. Nickolas helped plan and organize the event as part of his student internship at the office. 

“What we collected here will make a real and immediate difference for families across our community—putting food on tables, easing financial strain, and reminding people that they are not alone. I am especially proud of Nickolas’ leadership in bringing this effort to life. His dedication and initiative reflect the very best of our community, and this is exactly the kind of impact we hope to inspire in the next generation of public servants,” said Senator Steven Rhoads.