Yorktown Community Rallies for Annual Capt. Sgroi Act of Kindness Day

The Yorktown Police Department has begun its annual donation drive in observance of the Captain Kenneth Sgroi Act of Kindness Day.

The collection drive, which accepts donations through March 16, will benefit two distinct causes: the non-profit organization United for The Troops and the DiNoia family, who lost their Yorktown home in a devastating fire.

The day of service is named after Captain Kenneth Sgroi, a respected leader within the Yorktown Police Department who was known for his selflessness. For the department, the drive is a way to channel grief into community action.

“Captain Sgroi lived his life with a sense of duty and a spirit of kindness that we strive to honor every day,” said Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble. “This drive is more than just a collection of goods; it’s a way to keep Ken’s memory alive by doing exactly what he would have done—stepping up for those in need.”

Donations for United for The Troops provide comfort to service members stationed overseas. Organizers are requesting specific items that are often difficult for soldiers to acquire:

• Food & Snacks: Pringles, Pop-Tarts, beef jerky, and hard candy.
• Toiletries: Baby wipes, dental floss, and toothbrushes.
• Sundries: AA and AAA batteries and new crew socks.

A full list of suggested donations is on the Yorktown Police’s Facebook page.

The second half of the drive focuses on the DiNoia family. Following the life-altering fire in early February, the family is facing the lengthy process of recovery and relocation.

To provide the family with the greatest flexibility, the Police Department is requesting gift cards from local delis, restaurants, and major retail establishments. These contributions allow the family to purchase essential items and meals as they navigate the loss of their home.

“Whenever the call goes out, Yorktown residents answer with a level of generosity that is truly humbling,” said Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman. “Whether it’s supporting our troops or helping a family navigate the aftermath of a tragedy like the DiNoia’s, this town never fails to show its true colors. We are a community that takes care of its own.”

Residents can drop off items at the Yorktown Police Department’s headquarters, 1 Captain Kenneth Sgroi Plaza, Yorktown Heights. The donation deadline is March 16.