Community Corner
The DiGiacomos & the Origins of Camp Bulldog
Here's how a local couple's sleepless night after Hurricane Sandy turned into a grassroots operation in support of South Lindenhurst's displaced residents
“Every day’s a miracle at Camp Bulldog,” said Andrea Curran, taking a break from her work as a volunteer at Saturday’s big barbecue on South Wellwood Avenue in support of Lindenhurst residents most impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
To the extent that a miracle’s happening down at the site of the old Wellwood Grille, it's one that's been substantially moved forward by the men, women and children who've jumped in to support an impulsive move by two local residents to reach out to their neighborhoods.
How Camp Bulldog Came to Be
In the few short weeks since Sandy hit, the decision to set up a couple of tables on South Wellwood Avenue and give out some supplies has grown from a solo effort into a community-wide, grassroots operation.
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“It’s amazing what this has grown into,” said Morris DiGiacomo, who along with his wife, Robin DiGiacomo made that impulsive move, which culminated into a throng of visitors to Camp Bulldog on November 17 when The BBQ Brethren and Camp Bulldogs and volunteers from far and wide to Sandy-ravaged Lindy residents.
“No one could have imagined it,” he said.
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According to Robin, it all started on the Thursday night after the hurricane.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she said simply. “I was lying in bed, and I just couldn’t sleep, and I didn’t know what to do. Morris and I kicked it around for awhile, and then said, ‘You know what, let’s just go out and help.'”
The next day the pair showed up at the parking lot of the old Wellwood Grille and, after obtaining permission, set up shop.
The response was immediate, and from the first day, the thing just started snowballing.
“It started with friends and merchants, but it’s exploded,” said Robin. “People find us from all over the country. They bring things to us, they offer support and information. This has become a community clearinghouse.”
As for the name, Robin and Morris are quick to acknowledge Debbie Pastore, a local resident and teacher who got involved early.
“Debbie came up with the name,“ said Robin proudly.
Center of Giving Back
Now that the operation has become a focal point for volunteer support efforts, the DiGiacomos are learning some of what it means to be at the center of an effort with the emotional magnitude of the one that’s grown around them.
On Saturday, for example, a woman came up to Morris, gave him a hug, and started crying on his shoulder.
Moments later Morris was crying, too.
“One day you’re living a beautiful life - the next day, catastrophe!” said Morris, and, wiping away his tears, got back into action.
“That first day people came around and picked a few things up and said - well, we’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” said Robin. “And here we are, many tomorrows later. Along with a lot of other people who wanted to help and have found us, we just got to work.”
If people would like to make a donation to Camp Bulldog, volunteer or learn more about their activities, then visit the website at www.helplindy.com.
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