Act of Kindness Donations Delivered to Charities

February 2025 – Yorktown officials launched their collection drive today for the annual Captain Kenneth Sgroi Act of Kindness Day.

Through March 13, the Yorktown Police Department will accept donations to benefit the Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK) and United for the Troops, two nonprofits that operate in Yorktown. Members of the Yorktown Police Department will not shave their beards during the collection drive to raise awareness about the effort. 

“When you see us out in the community and we have beards growing, know that all employees rallied together to donate and collect, and we will make a cash contribution to both of these fine charities,” 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.” The drive’s end date is March 13 because March 16 falls on a Sunday.  

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

United For The Troops 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.  

“Yorktown has a lot of great community groups,” said Supervisor Ed Lachterman. “I’ve worked with both Alliance for Safe Kids and United for the Troops…they’re unbelievable organizations and I encourage everyone to log on to their websites. Even if you can’t afford to donate right now, find out what they do. Donate some time, or work with the community.” 

“The most important thing that ASK can ask of the community is to engage—look at our resources, use our resources, be aware and be ready to help your family, neighbors and other community members,” said Liz Talbert, executive director of ASK.  

“(Recipients) open boxes and there’s a wow factor,” said James Rathschmidt, one of the group’s founders. “It goes to men and women who we don’t even know, and they don’t know us. But they’re away from home and some of them have nothing. So, it’s a huge project.”