HOLBROOK — While most teenagers spend their fall weekends at football games, 17-year-old Emily Martinez had different plans. Every Saturday and Sunday from September through November, she could be found in her family's garage, surrounded by boxes of blankets, socks, tea, and puzzle books.
Her mission: create 200 winter care packages for isolated seniors across Suffolk County.
"My grandmother lived alone for the last few years of her life. I remember how lonely the winters were for her. I wanted to make sure other seniors know someone is thinking about them."
— Emily Martinez
More Than Just Supplies
Each care package included practical items: warm socks, a fleece blanket, hot cocoa mix, herbal tea, a word search book, and a deck of cards. But the most important item was the handwritten note tucked inside.
A Community Effort
- Holbrook Pharmacy donated 200 packets of hand warmers
- The Cozy Cup Café provided tea and cocoa packets
- Target Patchogue gave a discount on bulk blanket purchases
- St. Joseph's Church offered space for package assembly
Those interested in supporting next year's project can email Emily at wintercareLI@gmail.com.
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