Readers Write: Diner owner supports vets

The Island Now

Veteran’s Assistance Day (formerly known as Nassau County Veterans Stand-down is a countywide event that is jointly organized by the United Veterans Organization of Nassau County and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency.

This event is staged in July and November each year. Present at each event are personnel from over two dozen agencies who provide valuable information on the services available to our homeless and needy veterans, as well as new and gently-used clothing, hair-cuts and dental care right on the premises.

In addition to the above provisions for homeless and needy veterans, the July event, held at the Hempstead American Legion Post, located at 160 Marvin Ave, provides a BBQ for the veterans.

The November, event, occurring two days before Thanksgiving Day, provides a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Just like Eric and I, many of the volunteers on Veterans’ Assistance Days are members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Vietnam War Veterans Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars,  and/or Jewish War Veterans, all of whom are affiliated with UVO.

Eric and I have enjoyed dining at the New Hyde Park Diner at 160 Hillside Ave. in New Hyde Park on a weekly basis.

We’ve gotten to know the owner, Kenny Thoma, who migrated to this country, and said that if it weren’t for the American soldiers, he would not be here today.

As volunteers at Veterans Assistance Days, Eric and I asked if he would be interested in participating in  “Dining for a Cause,” an event in which, on a given day, he would donate 20 percent of all food purchases to support Veterans Assistance Day mentioned above.  He gladly said, “Yes.”

This event took place on Saturday, July 2  from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at his New Hyde Park Diner.

Twenty percent of total purchases during that time amounted to $360.

However, in a grand spirit of generosity, the New Hyde Park Diner bumped up the donation to $500, 100% of which will be donated to support Veterans’ Assistance Day.

Our hats are off to Kenny Thoma of  New Hyde Park Diner.

What a patriot!

Rosanne and Eric Spinner, Members

American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion and Vietnam War Veterans Association

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