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Community Corner

New Hyde Park Volunteer Spotlight: Joe and Dot O'Donnell

These are two special volunteers who help the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island.

New Hyde Park is full of people who give of their time and use their talents to make people's lives a little better. New Hyde Park Patch is highlighting those who show their commitment to the community.

Some people who volunteer in New Hyde Park live in nearby towns. Joe and Dot O’Donnell from Floral Park have been volunteering at since 1990 and they were recognized as Volunteers of the Year in 1994. 

Dot O'Donnell began volunteering at the House as an assistant house manager. She also assists with front desk work by aiding resident families. Joe O'Donnell is the head of the van driver program. The van drivers help resident families get to and from hospitals, airports and any other necessary locations during their stay at the House.

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The O'Donnells have been such great volunteers that there is even an award named after Joe O'Donnell. The Joe O’Donnell Service Award is given to former Volunteers of the Year who have continued to serve the House for a minimum of 10 consecutive years since being given the distinction.  This designation is based on the service of those Volunteers of the Years who have maintained an active role with the House. 

For the past 21 years, Joe and Dot O'Donnell have gone way beyond their call of duty as volunteers at the House. Without support and people like Joe and Dot O'Donnell, non-profits would not be able to continue doing all the great things that they do.

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"They are role models, leaders and wonderful representatives of the community," said Christopher Cosentino, a member of the public relations team at the House.

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is a home for families who are caring for seriously ill children undergoing treatment in local hospitals. One of these houses is located in New Hyde Park on the campus of the .

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