Yorktown Act of Kindness Drive Raises Almost $3,000 for Charity

March 18, 2024 – Yorktown residents and businesses donated almost $3,000 in money, gift cards and goods during a collection drive in observance of the annual Captain Kenneth Sgroi Act of Kindness Day.

The donations from the public, the police and Town officials benefited Support Connection and United for the Troops, two nonprofits that operate in Yorktown.

“When you lose somebody special to you, it’s important to keep that person’s legacy and memory alive. What better way to do that than do positive things in the community that he and his family called home,” said Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble.

On January 2, 2023, Yorktown Police Captain Kenneth Sgroi died from a sudden illness. The Town Board subsequently adopted a resolution recognizing March 16 annually as "Captain Kenneth Sgroi Act of Kindness Day.”

Sgroi’s wife, Anne Sgroi, attended the presentation of the donations to the charities.

“Kenny loved Yorktown. He loved being a police officer. It wasn’t just a job for him, it was his life,” said Sgroi. “I’ve been—over the past year—trying to think of ways to keep Kenny’s memory alive for my children and this day you’ve created is one of the best things that they could have.”

United For The Troops (UFT) collects food, toiletries and goods and ships donations throughout the world to our troops. Support Connection is a not-for-profit organization that provides emotional, social, and educational support to women, their families and friends affected by breast, ovarian and gynecological cancer.

Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman noted that Sgroi was almost the same age as his daughter.

“Celebrating with kindness and doing the right thing is so important as it leaves a legacy,” said Deputy Supervisor Lachterman. “Being able to see people carry on in his name is an amazing tribute.”

“Yorktown’s residents never fail to inspire with their generosity and compassion. These donations are a great tribute to Capt. Sgroi,” said Town Board member Sergio Esposito.

Capt. Sgroi served with the Yorktown Police Department for almost 14 years.

“The people of Yorktown are grateful to Capt. Sgroi for his service, and these donations represent our community’s appreciation for all his efforts while he was with us,” said Town Board member Patrick Murphy.

Photo caption: Anne Sgroi, the widow of Kenneth Sgroi, speaks at a Yorktown press conference on March 15, 2024.